24/7 Space News
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
China to launch 4.4 Meter Aperture Spectral Telescope in 2026
The conceptual design of the JUST. [Photo/CCTV News]
China to launch 4.4 Meter Aperture Spectral Telescope in 2026
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 01, 2024

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is advancing its astronomical capabilities with the construction of the country's most powerful spectral telescope. The Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope (JUST), featuring a significant 4.4-meter aperture, is slated for completion and utilization by 2026. This development, as reported by Science and Technology Daily, marks a pivotal step in China's astronomical research endeavors.

Strategically positioned at the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base on Saishiteng Mountain in Qinghai province, JUST is designed to capitalize on the location's advantageous observation conditions. This large-aperture, multi-functional spectral telescope is not just a testament to China's growing expertise in space science but also a nod to the country's broader ambitions in scientific discovery and space exploration.

Innovatively engineered, JUST integrates an R-C (Ritchey-Chretien) optical system, renowned for minimizing optical errors, and employs mosaic thin-mirror technology. The primary mirror, a sophisticated assembly of 18 hexagonal sub-mirrors each measuring 1.1 meters diagonally, is a marvel of modern telescope design. This design approach not only allows for a substantial aperture size but also adeptly manages weight and maintains exacting optical performance.

Additionally, the telescope is equipped with multiple spectrometers, enhancing its ability to swiftly switch target sources and conduct timely spectroscopic observations-a critical feature in temporal astronomy and exoplanet research. The use of real-time closed-loop control through active optical technology during operation underscores the telescope's advanced capabilities, ensuring optimal image quality and performance.

JUST's optical system is uniquely designed with two Nasmyth foci, facilitating the placement of scientific instruments on two Nasmyth platforms. This setup is instrumental in the telescope's versatility and effectiveness in various astronomical studies.

Upon completion, JUST is expected to play a pivotal role in several cutting-edge research areas. The telescope's contributions are anticipated to be particularly impactful in temporal astronomy, exoplanet search, and understanding the cosmic network's structure and evolution. These areas are crucial for advancing our knowledge of the universe and the various celestial phenomena within it.

Moreover, the telescope is set to collaborate closely with the Wide Field Survey Telescope Mozi and the upcoming Chinese Space Station Telescope. This collaboration is expected to provide indispensable observational data, further bolstering China's capabilities and contributions to global astronomy.

In summary, the Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope represents a significant stride in China's astronomical research and technology. Its expected completion in 2026 will not only augment China's observational capabilities but also contribute significantly to the global understanding of space and celestial phenomena. With this development, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and China at large are poised to make substantial contributions to the field of astronomy.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

Related Links
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Stellar Chemistry, The Universe And All Within It

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
New telescope for student's satellite project
Wurzburg, Germany (SPX) Jan 26, 2024
A new telescope has been in operation on the Hubland Campus of Julius-Maximilians-Universitat (JMU) Wurzburg since January 2024. A team of students is using it to develop AI algorithms for small satellites in order to prevent collisions with space debris in orbit more efficiently than before. The long-term goal is for the satellites to be able to recognise impending collisions independently using intelligent optical sensors and avoid them autonomously. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energ ... read more

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Cygnus spacecraft arrives at space station with 8,200 pounds of cargo

Space Perspective secures investment for carbon-neutral space tourism

China warns US tech curbs will 'come back to bite them'

Virgin Galactic Marks 11th Spaceflight with Full Passenger Manifest

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Britain's space capabilities boosted by Pulsar Fusion's latest engine test

Shake, rattle and launch: Dream Chaser spaceplane passes vibration test

Xichang Space Launch Site Celebrates 200th Mission with Geely-02 Satellite Deployment

China's Smart Dragon 3 launches satellites from South China Sea

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
A Drive With a View: Sols 4084-4085

Sols 4086-4088: Groundhog Day in Gale

Lake deposits in Idaho give scientists insight into ancient traces of life on Mars

Bright Rocks on the Horizon: An Exciting Glimpse of Uncharted Territory

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
BIT advances microbiological research on Chinese Space Station

Shenzhou 18 and 19 crews undertake intensive training for next missions

Tianzhou 6 burns up safely reentering Earth

Yan Hongsen's future dreams as 'Rocket Boy'

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Intelsat Launches Inflight Internet Above the Arctic

Terran Orbital announces agreement with Shareholder Group

Geespace achieves milestone in satellite constellation development for future mobility

SmartSat and New Zealand Space Agency Forge Partnership for Space Sector Innovation

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Spaceborne Computer-2 sets new benchmark for AI and ML on ISS

Rising Collision Risks in Sun-Synchronous Orbits Amid Satellite Surge

BlackStar Orbital to open new spacecraft manufacturing facility in Sierra Vista by 2026

Heritage ERS-2 satellite to reenter Earth's atmosphere

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
NASA Puts Next-Gen Exoplanet-Imaging Technology to the Test

What Kind of World is LHS 1140b

Ice and fire: Antarctic volcano may hold clues to life on Mars

Researchers spying for signs of life among exoplanet atmospheres

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Europa Clipper gears up with full instrument suite onboard

New images reveal what Neptune and Uranus really look like

Researchers reveal true colors of Neptune, Uranus

The PI's Perspective: The Long Game

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.