China’s first X-ray satellite put into service to study black holes

China’s first space telescope, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) named “Huiyan” was put into service on Tuesday, according to the government.

The satellite is tasked with surveying the Milky Way to observe black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts. Its delivery marks China’s high-energy astronomical research enters into a new phase of space observation, a step further improving the country’s international status and influence in the space science.

China’s first space telescope, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) named “Huiyan” was put into service on Tuesday.

Launched on June 15, 2017, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in the southwest province of Sichuan, the satellite has passed test tasks concerning the satellite platform, payload and ground application system during in-orbit operation and been qualified for service.

The satellite participated in the world’s top-level space observation – gravitational waves coming from the merger of two neutron stars, the results of which were released on October 16, 2017.

China launched "Huiyan" at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, southwest province of Sichuan on June 15, 2017.

A committee has been established by China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Chinese Academy of Sciences, aiming to provide consultancy of the satellite’s in-orbit operation, promote data-sharing service and international cooperation, and conduct research in satellite and relevant fields for future satellite projects.

The CNSA is also promoting the management of data from “Huiyan” to maximize the data application and scientific output.

(CGTN)