Two state-of-the-art radio telescopes, each featuring 40-meter-diameter antennas, were officially launched on Friday in China. Strategically positioned in the northeast (Jilin Province’s Changbai Mountain area) and southwest (Shigatse, Xizang Autonomous Region), these installations aim to advance the exploration of deep space and unlock the secrets of the cosmos.
The telescopes were developed by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Their addition enhances China’s Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network, which now comprises six stations spread across Shanghai, Urumqi, Kunming, Changbai Mountain, and Shigatse, coordinated by a central hub in Shanghai.
VLBI is a cutting-edge radio interferometry technology that synthesizes signals from multiple telescopes to produce high-resolution images and pinpoint precise locations of celestial objects. This “virtual telescope” operates as if its size were equal to the maximum distance between participating stations, significantly outperforming conventional methods. It also plays a critical role in high-precision navigation for deep space probes.
With the inclusion of the new telescopes, China’s VLBI network has extended its maximum baseline—the “effective aperture” of its virtual telescope—from approximately 3,200 kilometers to 3,800 kilometers, according to Shen Zhiqiang, director of SHAO.
This expansion boosts the network’s capabilities substantially. The observable sky area has increased by 25%, while the angular resolution in the X-band has improved by 18%, Shen added. These advancements mark a significant leap forward for China’s capacity to study the universe and contribute to global astronomical research.
China’s Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network has been instrumental in supporting high-profile space missions, including lunar explorations from Chang’e-1 to Chang’e-6 and the Mars mission Tianwen-1. The network provides high-precision orbital and positional data critical for spacecraft navigation.
With the addition of two new telescopes, the VLBI network—now consisting of six stations—offers simultaneous measurement and tracking of multiple celestial targets. This enhanced flexibility strengthens China’s support for upcoming lunar and deep-space missions, said Shen Zhiqiang, director of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO).
At the inauguration ceremony for the telescopes, Ding Chibiao, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), highlighted the pivotal role of advanced scientific infrastructure in fostering innovation. He also advocated for greater openness and shared use of such facilities.
Ye Shuhua, a CAS academician, emphasized the strategic importance of the new telescopes for future lunar and planetary exploration missions, including asteroids, Mars, Jupiter, and beyond.
Construction of the telescopes, which began in September 2023, overcame significant challenges. One telescope was erected at an altitude of 4,100 meters, while the other was built in a harsh, frigid environment where winter temperatures dip below -20°C, Shen noted.
The advancements position China as a growing leader in astronomical research and interplanetary exploration.
