China successfully launched a navigation satellite which they will use to in-orbit experiments with the use of pulsar detectors to exhibit new innovations in space technology and also use for deep space navigation. The country launched X-ray Pulsar Navigation satellite, along with four other small satellites.
The X-Ray Pulsar or XPNAV-1 was created by the Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. Fifth Academy, weighs more than 200 kilograms and carries two detectors. It was sent to space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province, China, using a Long March -11 carrier rocket, along with the Xaiaoxiang-1 that will stabilize the system, and three Lishui-1 satellites, which are remote sensing satellites, according to the Indian Express. The time of launch was 7:42 AM Chinese local time.
Reports from International Business Times state that the satellite runs via a Sun-synchronous orbit and will start its in-orbit experiments via pulsar detectors. It will also run tests on its space adaptability and detector functions as soon as it stays in orbit. Chief scientist and designer of the particular satellite, Shuai Ping, the satellite will greatly improve space navigation technology as cyclical x-ray signals shall be released from pulsars are used to determine the location of a spacecraft in deep outer space. Also according to a report by Space Daily, the satellite will detect emissions from 26 pulsars nearby. Ping also stated that the database could be finished within ten years' time.
The x-ray pulsars is made up of a magnetized neutron star that draws gas from a nearby normal star, creating a rotating disk that will send the gas to the magnetic polls that will eventually create energy. Scientists declared that they can be found deep in the outer space and they can also act as signal buoys. Also, scientists are not able to study the pulsars on earth due to x-ray signals being blocked by the earth's atmosphere.
