China has significantly advanced its deep space exploration capabilities with the recent activation of two new 40-meter radio telescopes. These state-of-the-art instruments, located in northeastern and southwestern China, commenced operations on December 27, 2024. Developed by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), one telescope sits atop Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, while the other is situated in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region.
The addition of these telescopes expands China’s very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network,which now comprises a control center in Shanghai and six strategically positioned stations across the country.This network utilizes VLBI technology, a powerful technique that combines signals from multiple telescopes to create a much larger, virtual telescope with unparalleled resolution. This allows for incredibly detailed radio images and precise positioning of celestial objects, crucial for deep space missions.
The expansion is significant. The maximum baseline distance of China’s VLBI network has increased from 3,200 kilometers to 3,800 kilometers, resulting in a 25 percent increase in the observable sky area and an 18 percent improvement in angular resolution in the X-band. This enhanced capability is directly applicable to ongoing and future space exploration endeavors.
China’s VLBI network has already played a vital role in past missions, including the Chang’e lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 mars mission. it provided highly accurate positional and orbital data for the spacecraft, ensuring mission success. With six stations now operational, the network can simultaneously track and measure multiple targets, paving the way for even more enterprising deep space exploration in the future.
At the inauguration ceremony,CAS Vice President Ding Chibiao highlighted the critical role of advanced scientific infrastructure in fostering innovation and facilitating the sharing of resources. The significance of this expansion was further emphasized by CAS academician Ye Shuhua,who stated that the new telescopes will be instrumental not only in lunar exploration but also in future missions targeting asteroids,Mars,Jupiter,and other celestial bodies. “This new telescope will play a role in the exploration of the Moon and also missions to explore asteroids, Mars, Jupiter and other celestial objects,” Ye said.
The project,initiated in september 2023,faced significant challenges. One telescope operates at a demanding altitude of 4,100 meters, while the other endures harsh winter conditions with temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius. Despite these obstacles,the successful completion of the project underscores china’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of space exploration.
The enhanced capabilities of China’s VLBI network promise to yield groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy. Scientists anticipate significant advancements in understanding supermassive black holes, dense astrophysical objects, and other cosmic phenomena. This advancement not only strengthens China’s position in the global space race but also contributes to the broader scientific community’s understanding of the universe.
China Expands Deep Space Exploration capabilities with Two New Radio Telescopes
China is making significant strides in its deep space exploration ambitions, recently activating two cutting-edge radio telescopes as part of its very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network. These 40-metre instruments,strategically positioned in northeastern and southwestern China,promise to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and facilitate groundbreaking future missions. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Zhang Wei, a leading expert in radio astronomy at the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, to delve into the implications of this exciting development.
The New Telescopes: A Leap Forward for Deep Space Exploration
Senior Editor: Dr. Zhang, can you tell our readers about the significance of these new telescopes for China’s space program?
Dr. Zhang Wei: These telescopes are a major leap forward. Not only do they increase the size and capability of China’s VLBI network, but their strategic locations allow for observations of previously inaccessible areas of the sky. This effectively expands our view of the universe and enables more precise position measurements for spacecraft, crucial for missions like those to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Enhancing observation Capabilities: Larger Baseline, Higher Resolution
Senior Editor: You mentioned VLBI. Can you elaborate on how this technology works and how these new additions improve it?
Dr. Zhang Wei: VLBI combines signals from multiple telescopes spaced far apart, creating a virtual telescope with an enormously longer baseline – the distance between the telescopes.This enhanced baseline directly translates to higher angular resolution, allowing us to see finer details in distant objects. The two new telescopes increase the maximum baseline of China’s network, resulting in a 25% larger observable sky area and an 18% advancement in resolution.
Impact on Future Space Missions: From Lunar Explorations to Asteroids
(Senior Editor):
How will these expanded capabilities impact china’s future space missions?
Dr. Zhang Wei:
These telescopes will be instrumental in guiding and tracking future space missions. They’ll provide mission control with highly accurate positional and orbital data for spacecraft, ensuring precise navigation and interaction.This is crucial for ambitious projects targeting the Moon, Mars, asteroids, or even Jupiter and beyond.
A Global Contribution to Radio Astronomy
Senior Editor:
Aside from China’s space program, what broader implications do these advancements have for the scientific community?
Dr. zhang wei:
The VLBI network is a global resource. The data collected by these telescopes will be shared with scientists worldwide, contributing to our understanding of supermassive black holes, dense astrophysical objects, and other cosmic phenomena. This collaborative effort will advance our knowledge about the universe and inspire scientific breakthroughs.
Overcoming Challenges:
Senior Editor:
We understand that these projects faced significant logistical challenges. Can you share any insights into those?
Dr. Zhang Wei:
Indeed, constructing these telescopes in such diverse and extreme environments presented many obstacles.
One telescope is located at a staggering elevation of 4,100 meters, while the other endures harsh winters with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius.
Overcoming these challenges is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams involved and underscores China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
