Original title: space gravitational wave detection! "Taiji 1" completes on orbit test experiment
The National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced on the 25th that the functions and performance indicators of China's first space gravitational wave detection technology experimental satellite 'taiji-1' meet the general requirements of development, and the in orbit test experiment has been successful.
At the review meeting of "taiji-1" in orbit test experiment summary organized by the center on the same day, experts from the review group of astronomy, gravitational wave research and aerospace engineering reached the above conclusion.
Taiji-1 is the first star of Space Science (phase II) strategic pilot science and technology project of Chinese Academy of Sciences. The purpose of this satellite is to complete the first on orbit verification of the payload required for the detection of space gravitational waves in China and the main key technologies of the satellite, including high stability laser, ultra-high precision interferometer, high sensitivity gravity reference sensor, no drag control technology, micro propulsion technology of micro cow class, and hyperstable hyperstatic spacecraft.
According to Wu Yueliang, chief scientist of taiji-1 satellite project, after the successful launch of taiji-1 on August 31, 2019, the scientific team and the engineering team worked together to carry out strict tests and experiments for four months. The results show that the satellite system has good in orbit performance and has completed all the experimental contents specified in the general development requirements.
Wu Yueliang said that the successful completion of the in orbit test experiment of taiji-1 is an important breakthrough in the technical verification of China's space gravitational wave detection experiment, which means that the first step of the Taiji plan's' three steps' has been successfully achieved. Taiji No.1 will be transferred to the stage of expansion experiment.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has been demonstrating the feasibility of space gravitational wave detection in China since 2008. After years of scientific frontier research, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has put forward the 'Taiji plan' for space gravitational wave detection in China, and determined the 'three-step' development strategy and roadmap of 'single star, double star and three-star'.