Chinese researchers have actually attained satellite laser varying in the Earth-moon space in daytime for the very first time on the planet, in spite of the strong daytime interference, stated the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Tuesday.According to Li Yuqiang, a researcher at Yunnan Observatories, a research study team on Sunday effectively captured the laser return signal from the retroreflector of the Tiandu-1 satellite, which is around 130,000 kilometers far from the Earth, utilizing the recently upgraded near-infrared lunar laser varying system of a 1.2-meter telescope.This is the worlds first daytime satellite laser ranging in the Earth-moon space, marking a brand-new technological advancement for China in the field of precise deep-space orbit measurement, he added.The measurement has resolved essential technical difficulties such as the suppression of strong solar background noise, which will assist boost navigation and placing abilities in the Earth-moon area.
It will also support the argumentation and implementation of major deep-space expedition tasks in the future, such as the International Lunar Research Station.The group was formed by researchers from Chinas Deep Space Exploration Lab, Yunnan Observatories and Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the CAS, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering, and Beijing Aerospace Control Center.The Tiandu-1 was a communications and navigation innovation test satellite.
It was released on March 20, 2024, and is now orbiting in between the Earth and the moon.(Cover: A demonstration of the remote retrograde orbit./ Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization)