China's solar satellite achieves massive breakthroughs

China's solar observation satellite has achieved major scientific and technological feats during its in-orbit operation, according to the China National Space Administration.

The satellite Xihe, named after the sun goddess of ancient Chinese mythology, has carried out spectral scanning and imaging of the sun's H-Alpha waveband and has recorded the dynamics of solar activities in the star's photosphere and chromosphere.

The spacecraft has also obtained spectral lines of the sun's H-Alpha waveband, neutral silicon atom and neutral iron atom, the administration said on Tuesday.

All of these accomplishments were unprecedented, are expected to significantly advance research into the sun and solar system and have enhanced China's position in solar physics, the administration noted.

Also known as Chinese H-Alpha Solar Explorer, Xihe was launched in October 2021 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province.

The satellite is China's first space-based solar telescope and is designed to work for at least three years. It is tasked with helping scientists deepen their knowledge of our nearest star.

Its scientific payload is an H-alpha imaging spectrograph that can, for the first time, acquire full-disk spectroscopic solar observations in the H-alpha wave band.

The 508-kilogram satellite is traveling in a sun-synchronous orbit about 517 kilometers above the Earth.

Its primary task is to investigate the dynamics of solar activity in the lower atmosphere, namely the photosphere and chromosphere, and to understand the physical mechanisms of solar eruptions. The mission is meaningful to the nation's space exploration and satellite technology, mission planners said.