Latest news with #ChinaAcademyofSpaceTechnology
South China Morning Post
20-03-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Chinese scientists propose giant telescope on far side of moon to understand early cosmos
Scientists in China have proposed building a radio telescope array on the moon's far side , which, if approved, could become the first operational lunar radio observatory. Advertisement The array would consist of 7,200 butterfly-shaped wire antennas to detect ultra-long wavelength cosmic signals that are blocked by the Earth's atmosphere but are crucial for understanding the early universe, especially the period before the first stars turned on. Researchers from Xian and Shanghai have proposed a lunar-based ultra-long wavelength radio telescope array. Image: Handout While United States scientists have previously proposed similar concepts, China's version could be built within a decade, leveraging the country's upcoming robotic and crewed lunar missions, as well as the China-led International Lunar Research Station that is set to take shape by 2035. Spanning 30km (18.6 miles) with an effective collecting area of 0.1 sq km, the array would provide resolution and sensitivity high enough to help probe the so-called cosmic dark ages and discover more exoplanets , according to researchers from the China Academy of Space Technology in Xian and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory. 'The construction of the array will be a highly complex engineering project, involving scientific instruments, relay satellites, robots, lunar surface logistics and communication networks,' the researchers wrote in the latest issue of Chinese Space Science and Technology. Advertisement 'It will drive innovation across multiple fields, offering high scientific and technological value while strengthening China's position in deep-space exploration and astronomical research.'
South China Morning Post
27-02-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China declassifies tech of world's first high orbit radar satellite, worrying US
After 18 months of eye-in-the-sky secrecy, Chinese scientists have revealed the revolutionary technology behind the world's first geosynchronous orbit synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite , giving China a permanent view of one-third of the Earth's surface. Advertisement Ludi Tance 4-01 – or Ludi – which was launched in August 2023 , is the highest flying surveillance satellite ever launched. It continuously monitors the Asia-Pacific region from an altitude of 36,000km (22,370 miles), far above US remote-sensing radar satellites that are positioned in low Earth orbit, according to the project team, led by senior engineer Ni Chong, with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). The satellite is equipped with a 'space power combination' system that merges multiple microwave beams in mid-space, between two objects. The feat – reminiscent of the Death Star in the Star Wars films – allows it to achieve high, stable radar emissions that can penetrate cloud cover and darkness while maintaining relatively high resolution, Ni said in an article published in the latest issue of Chinese Space Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed journal run by the academy. Beijing has said that Ludi is intended for civilian purposes, such as weather observations and earthquake monitoring, to improve disaster prevention and responses. It can also be used to help researchers in oceanography, meteorology, agriculture and forestry. However, the United States military remains wary about Beijing's advancing satellite capabilities. Advertisement Ludi can be coordinated with other powerful Chinese surveillance satellites to make a 'qualitative leap' in tracking and targeting capabilities, according to Chief Master Sargeant Ronald Lerch, an intelligence specialist at the Space Systems Command under the United States Space Force, who was quoted by US Space News in January last year.
