Space & Astronomy

China unveils ambitious space projects

By T.K. Randall
August 24, 2012 ·  11 comments

Image Credit: Xinhua Between 2014 and 2016 China hopes to launch several new projects including an X-ray telescope known as the "Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope" (HXMT) that is designed to investigate black holes and will be China's first ever space telescope. Other projects include the "Dark Matter Particle Explorer" satellite aimed at detecting high-energy electrons and gamma rays, a solar telescope and a new observatory in Antarctica.

"China's technology has advanced markedly, and some of its buildings are really world-class," said International Astronomical Union president Robert Williams at the opening ceremony of the organization's 28th General Assembly. "The fact that we are meeting here is an indication that China has emerged in a short period of time to be competitive on the world stage in the science of astronomy."[!gad]Between 2014 and 2016 China hopes to launch several new projects including an X-ray telescope known as the "Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope" (HXMT) that is designed to investigate black holes and will be China's first ever space telescope. Other projects include the "Dark Matter Particle Explorer" satellite aimed at detecting high-energy electrons and gamma rays, a solar telescope and a new observatory in Antarctica.

"China's technology has advanced markedly, and some of its buildings are really world-class," said International Astronomical Union president Robert Williams at the opening ceremony of the organization's 28th General Assembly. "The fact that we are meeting here is an indication that China has emerged in a short period of time to be competitive on the world stage in the science of astronomy."

Source: Xinhuanet.com | Comments (11)

Tags: