Satellite and Ground Support Equipment for Space Solar Telescope

L.U. Chang
National Astronomical Observatories
Chinese Academy Sciences

Abstract

The Sun, an important research object in astronomy and astrophysics, exerts great influences on the Earth and its environments. It is also a very typical star that can be studied with high spatial resolution. As a natural laboratory, most of its physical phenomena such as huge scale, high temperature and high pressure cannot be duplicated on Earth. The magnetic field in plasma of the Sun plays a very important role in the solar atmosphere structure and solar activities. So, the studying of the magnetic field with high resolution will be the leading topic of the solar astronomical physics at present and in the future. In 20th century, "physical world" in England remarked that the studying of the magnetic field would be the fourth difficulty in physical researching for the 21st century following after the quantum gravitation, fusion control and high temperature super-conduct.

It is not easy to realize high-resolution and very wide spectrum observation of the Sun and its fine structure with ground-based equipments, because the atmosphere on the Earth will absorb the radiation and atmospheric turbulence will blur the solar image. Scientists in National Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) dedicate to develop a Space Solar Telescope (SST) to do solar observation and research outside the earth atmosphere.

SST will carry five scientific observing instruments working over a wide spectrum with 2-dimension imaging and with continuous time evolution. It is anticipated to achieve a breakthrough advance in solar physics through coordinated, wide spectral coverage, highly temporal and spatial resolution observations of transient and steady states in solar hydrodynamic and magneto-hydrodynamic processes. Some new technologies on SST, such as aerospace large optic mirror, correlation tracker, and high- speed telemetry and telecommand, will be very useful for our country.

This paper will introduce the SST satellite system including the spacecraft service subsystem and the ground support subsystem.

Conclusion

The satellite service system and its ground support equipment are qualified with creativity as well as heritage on the base of reliability. The 1-meter optical telescope will be the most advanced solar observing telescope. Its launcher and service system can use previous satellites such as China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite(CBERS) for reference. Making full use of the domestic Unified S-Band(USB) network and existent ground station, SST satellite and ground support system is designed according to SST requirement and international standard to guarantee the realization of SST science objects. The scheme has been assessed many times by relating departments. In June 2000, a group combined by Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The Fifth Academy of China Aerospace appraised and affirmed the feasibility of SST and its ground support system. In 2001 Chinese Aerospace Department approved the project as a pre-research project of the 10th -five- year plan. So the project is promoted to a new developing phase. Now SST is advancing successfully and is expected launch in 2008.

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