China has launched the second phase of construction for its deep space observation radar facility, known as the “China Compound Eye.” The Beijing Institute of Technology announced on Tuesday that the second phase is set to be completed by 2025, and will cover more than 300 mu (20 hectares) of land. The new phase will involve the construction of 25 high-resolution radars, each boasting a 30-meter diameter. This is a significant increase from the first phase, which consisted of four 16-meter-diameter radars that were completed in December 2021.
The purpose of the China Compound Eye facility is to observe and capture high-resolution images of celestial bodies, such as asteroids, the moon, and Earth-like planets. These images will serve the country’s near-Earth asteroid defense initiatives and planetary science research. Upon completion of the third phase, the facility is expected to have over 100 radars.
The Beijing Institute of Technology stated that the China Compound Eye is a significant project, providing vital data for a wide range of scientific fields, including astrophysics, geology, and biology. The facility’s innovative technology will allow for the identification of celestial objects that are invisible to the naked eye, as well as the detection of near-Earth asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.
The China Compound Eye is part of China’s wider ambitions to become a major player in space exploration. China has already made significant progress in this field, having successfully landed a rover on the far side of the moon in 2019 and launching the first module of its space station last year. The Chinese government has also announced plans to launch a mission to Jupiter in the next decade.
The construction of the China Compound Eye facility demonstrates China’s commitment to investing in space technology and exploration. With the project set to be completed over the next few years, the country will be able to capture high-resolution images of celestial bodies that were previously beyond human reach. This is expected to pave the way for further research into the origins of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.
The China Compound Eye is a significant milestone in China’s space exploration journey, and it is expected to provide valuable insights into the mysteries of the universe. The project represents a major investment in space technology and research, and will undoubtedly contribute to advancements in the field of astronomy and planetary science. As China continues to make progress in space exploration, the world will be watching with anticipation to see what other discoveries the country will make.