China Plans to Launch First Satellite for Space-based Gravitational Wave Detection Programme 'Tianqin'
China plans to launch its first satellite to test the technologies of the space-based gravitational wave detection programme "Tianqin" by the end of 2019.
Beijing, October 14: China plans to launch its first satellite to test the technologies of the space-based gravitational wave detection programme "Tianqin" by the end of 2019.
The programme Tianqin, meaning "harp in sky," was initiated by Sun Yat-sen University in south China's Guangdong province in 2015. It will consist of three satellites forming an equilateral triangle around the earth, reports Xinhua news agency.
"It's like a harp in space. If the gravitational waves come, the 'harp's strings" will be plucked," said Luo Jun, President of the Sun Yat-sen University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at a conference held in Guangzhou.
The detection will be based on high-precision laser interferometry technology to measure the changes of the distances and locations of the three satellites, according to Luo. SpaceX Lands Falcon 9 Rocket on Land After Delivering Satellite.
Gravitational waves are "ripples" in the fabric of space-time caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the universe. Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1916 in his general theory of relativity.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2018 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).