Along with the construction of a space station, China also plans to launch an independentoptical facility in the coming years, the function of which will be similar to the Hubbletelescope. The field of view of the optical cabin will be 300 times as large as that of theHubble, and the cabin will be connected with the space station, said Gu Yidong,technology consultant of China's manned space flight project and academician with theChinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
"Currently, China has planned a series of scientific research platforms and facilities for thespace station. The optical cabin is the biggest confirmed project so far," Gu Yidongexplained. The caliber of the telescope is about 2 meters, and its resolution is near that ofthe Hubble. The optical cabin will conduct heterochromatic photometry and slitlessspectroscopy sky surveys.
According to Gu, the optical cabin will boast an unprecedented observational depth andresolution. The cabin will stay in orbit with the space station, and will connect to thestation when it needs maintenance or upgrades.
China’s space station is expected to be completed in 2020. It will be used for a wide varietyof scientific research.
"Currently, China has planned a series of scientific research platforms and facilities for thespace station. The optical cabin is the biggest confirmed project so far," Gu Yidongexplained. The caliber of the telescope is about 2 meters, and its resolution is near that ofthe Hubble. The optical cabin will conduct heterochromatic photometry and slitlessspectroscopy sky surveys.
According to Gu, the optical cabin will boast an unprecedented observational depth andresolution. The cabin will stay in orbit with the space station, and will connect to thestation when it needs maintenance or upgrades.
China’s space station is expected to be completed in 2020. It will be used for a wide varietyof scientific research.
