Posted on 11/10/2016 9:44:45 PM PST by BenLurkin
China successfully launched a Long March 11 rocket with a group of five satellites, including XPNAV-1, an experimental X-ray pulsar navigation spacecraft. Liftoff took place at 7:42 a.m. China Standard Time Nov 10 (23:42 GMT; 6:42 p.m. EST on Nov. 9) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.
Detailed information about preparations for the mission were kept under wraps by China. Furthermore, officials have not disclosed the exact flight profile for the Long March 11 booster. It was only revealed the vehicle targeted a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) for the release of its payload.
The launch was expected to be carried out Nov. 11, however China decided to start the mission earlier, making use of the rocket’s quick-reaction capability. The Long March 11 booster can be kept in storage for a long period of time and it only takes hours to prepare for the flight.
Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) Fifth Academy, the XPNAV-1 spacecraft weighs about 530 pounds (240 kilograms) and carries two detectors. The satellite is fitted with two power-generating solar arrays.
XPNAV-1 will conduct tests of autonomous spacecraft navigation and more precise deep-space navigation by using the signals of X-ray pulsars. According to CASC Fifth Academy, the satellite will test its detectors’ functions in responding to the background noise of the universe, outline pulsar contours, and create a database for pulsar navigation. The spacecraft will run its tests at an altitude of about 310 miles (500 kilometers), inclined 97 degrees.
This satellite is the world’s first pulsar navigation spacecraft. The technology that will be tested by this vehicle will be used to determine the location of a spacecraft in deep space. This method of navigation, based on X-ray signals emitted from pulsars, is known as XNAV.
(Excerpt) Read more at spaceflightinsider.com ...
And these new charts shall be called “Windows XP”.
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