Macao science satellites begin study of South Atlantic Anomaly

Macao science satellites begin study of South Atlantic Anomaly
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 29, 2023

The Macao Science Satellite 1A and 1B, after a successful six-month trial in orbit, have officially commenced formal operations, marking a significant milestone in space-based geomagnetic monitoring. Jointly developed by scientists from the Chinese mainland and Macao, these satellites were launched on May 21 by a Long March 2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

During their trial phase, the satellites underwent extensive capability tests and performed impressively. Their scientific data, validated against other spacecraft and data models, confirmed the effectiveness of their mission payloads. This rigorous testing led to the decision by mission planners and experts from the China National Space Administration's Earth Observation and Data Center and the Macao University of Science and Technology to initiate formal operations.

The satellite platforms, crafted by the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing and Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, are equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments. These include a vector field magnetometer, an energetic electron spectrometer, a coupled dark state magnetometer, and a solar X-ray detector, provided by the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science at the Macao University of Science and Technology.

Their primary mission involves studying the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), a region characterized by a significantly weakened geomagnetic field and increased radiation activity. By detecting the geomagnetic anomaly area, studying the geomagnetic field's origin and evolution, and creating a high-precision geomagnetic map of the Earth's crust, these satellites are set to provide crucial data for resource surveys, deep mineral development, and understanding the inner radiation zone over the South Atlantic.

Zhang Keke, director of the Macao Institute of Space Technology and Application and chief scientist of the Macao Science Satellite 1 project, highlighted the network's world-class detection capability and accuracy in an exclusive interview. Zhang's team, in collaboration with the Macau University of Science and Technology, has already achieved remarkable results, including the creation of a world magnetic model and a map of global lithospheric magnetic anomalies. These achievements are significant for deep-space and deep-sea explorations, air and sea transport, and natural resource prospecting.

The global scientific community has taken note of these advances. The Royal Astronomical Society in London has convened workshops with scientists from 11 nations to discuss the data's scientific value. Additionally, 18 foreign organizations have entered into joint research agreements with Zhang's team.

The Macao Science Satellite 1A and 1B, the first scientific satellites in a near-equatorial orbit to study the space environment and geomagnetic field, specifically targeting the SAA, are expected to improve the operational safety of aircraft and spacecraft. The research from these satellites will help mitigate the impact of high-energy particles from the sun on man-made vehicles, ranging from jetliners to spaceships, traveling through this vulnerable region.

In conclusion, the commencement of formal operations of the Macao Science Satellite 1A and 1B marks a new era in the study of Earth's geomagnetic field. The collaborative effort between scientists from the mainland and Macao showcases a significant advancement in China's space-based geomagnetic monitoring capabilities, with far-reaching implications for space and Earth sciences.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article