On January 9th, China achieved a milestone by sending the Einstein Probe satellite into space. The Long March-2C carrier rocket, taking off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, was crucial in this successful launch. The satellite entered its planned orbit, marking the win of the entire launch mission.
What is the Einstein Probe Satellite?
The Einstein Probe, abbreviated as EP, is an X-ray scientific detection satellite focusing on time-domain astronomy and high-energy astrophysics. Tasked with conducting extensive sky surveys in the soft X-ray band, its mission is to uncover high-energy transient celestial objects within the universe systematically. By monitoring their activities, EP aims to delve into these celestial phenomena’ nature and physical processes, contributing valuable insights to astrophysics.
China‘s Einstein Probe adds to the roster of space science satellites crafted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, marking the second phase of the Space Science Pre-Research Program. This achievement follows the triumphs of ‘Taiji-1,’ ‘Huairou-1,’ and ‘KuaFu-1.’ The collaborative efforts of the European Space Agency, the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany, and the French National Centre for Space Studies have played a crucial role in bringing this satellite project to fruition.
Why is the Einstein Probe Satellite Unique?
The Einstein Probe satellite stands out as the pioneer in the international use of ‘lobster eye’ micro-pore array focusing imaging technology on a large scale. This approach makes sensitivity and spatial resolution tenfold higher than previous standards.
As it engages in wide-field monitoring, the satellite excels at accurately capturing distant and faint high-energy transient sources and elusive unknown phenomena in the vast expanse of the universe. It can also issue timely warnings to guide other astronomical devices on Earth for subsequent observations.
Initiated as part of the second-phase projects of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Space Science Pioneer Program, the Einstein Probe project received approval from the Chinese Academy of Sciences on December 29th, 2017.
Operating in a near-Earth orbit at an altitude of 600km with an inclination angle of 30 degrees, the satellite boasts a mass of 1.45 tons. Its designed lifespan in orbit is set at not less than three years.
What does the satellite’s payload comprise?
The Einstein Probe satellite’s payload comprises the Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) and the Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT), each designed for distinct yet complementary functions. For the first time, the WXT employs lobster-eye micro-pore X-ray imaging technology and CMOS X-ray detectors on a large scale.
With 12 sub-telescopes forming a wide field of view, it continuously monitors. On the other hand, the FXT utilizes a Wolter-I grazing incidence focusing telescope for detailed follow-up observations, collaborating with other celestial devices through Beidou short messages, among other means.
What are the missions and objectives of the Einstein probe satellite?
The primary mission of the EP satellite revolves around studying the merger of black holes with other celestial bodies, alongside exploring the distribution, formation, and evolution of black holes in the vast expanse of the universe.
It delves into significant scientific inquiries such as gravitational wave sources and their electromagnetic counterparts, early universe phenomena, supernovae, and the activity of compact celestial objects.
The satellite collects crucial time-domain astronomical observation data, including all-sky X-ray timing panoramic images, X-ray spectra of celestial bodies, and temporal variations. The EP satellite pioneers the study of dormant (inactive) black holes, opening up a new research field focused on events where black holes consume stars.
The EP satellite’s unique features include a large, uniform field of view and exceptionally high detection sensitivity. This unique capability positions it to detect rare X-ray transient sources and uncover unknown types of X-ray transient celestial bodies and phenomena.
