I China launches X-ray Pulsar NAVigation satellite

AI Thread Summary
China successfully launched five small satellites, including the X-ray Pulsar Navigation satellite, aimed at enhancing deep space navigation. This satellite utilizes X-ray signals from pulsars to accurately determine spacecraft locations, significantly reducing reliance on ground-based navigation systems like NASA's Deep Space Network. The technology promises to eliminate lengthy communication delays by leveraging the precise radiation emitted by some pulsars. Additionally, there are parallels with NASA's development of X-ray band communication for deep space, which could facilitate high-speed data transmission. This advancement represents a significant step in China's ambitious space exploration efforts.
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China launched five small satellites Thursday, including the X-ray Pulsar Navigation satellite that eventually could help spacecraft headed for deep space navigate, the latest piece of China’s ambitious space program, NASA Spaceflight.com reported.

The X-ray pulsar, developed by Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. Fifth Academy, was sent into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March-11 solid fuel rocket, which also carried the Xaiaoxiang-1 and three Lishui-1 satellites.

The X-ray pulsar captures X-ray signals emitted from pulsars. By mapping those signals, they can be used to determine spacecraft location in deep space, which will eliminate the hours-long delays incurred in using ground-based navigation like the Deep Space Network and European Space Tracking network. Some pulsars emit radiation with the precision of an atomic clock.

source:
http://www.ibtimes.com/space-news-c...p-deep-space-using-pulsar-x-rays-ease-2444405
 
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arabianights said:
The X-ray pulsar captures X-ray signals emitted from pulsars. By mapping those signals, they can be used to determine spacecraft location in deep space, which will eliminate the hours-long delays incurred in using ground-based navigation like the Deep Space Network and European Space Tracking network. Some pulsars emit radiation with the precision of an atomic clock.
Cool concept for navigation, I see NASA is developing X-ray band communication for deep space also.
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard...nications-demonstration-in-space-a-nasa-first

"Two proven technologies have been combined to create a promising new technology that could meet future navigational challenges in deep space. It also may help demonstrate - for the first time - X-ray communications in space, a capability that would allow the transmission of gigabits per second throughout the solar system."
 

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