Astronomical X-ray observation can only be done in the outer space. The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) proposed in 1993 by Li Tibei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is China’s first astronomical satellite. It is the fourth satellite mission in the framework of the Strategic Pioneer Research Program in Space Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
The satellite and launch vehicle were developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Academy of Space Technology, and Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute respectively. The ground measurement and control system is in charge of the Xi’an Satellite Measurement and Control Center. The Institute is responsible for the construction of ground application systems and the reception, processing, distribution and scientific application of satellite data.
HXMT performs a broadband (1–250 keV) all-sky survey, in which a large number of massive black holes and other high energy objects will be detected, and the properties of cosmic X-ray background will be more tightly constrained. HXMT conducts pointed observations of the black hole and neutron star X-ray binaries, study their multi-wavelength variability, and probe the dynamics and high energy radiation process in the strong gravitational field or magnetic field.
Mass at launch: 2500kg
Orbit: Circular orbit at 550altitude with 43°inclination
Designed Life: 4 years
Launch time: 2017-6-15 11:00 (UTC 8)
Launch Site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
Carrier rocket: Long March 4B
Delivery date: 2018-1-30
Current Status: Operational, Normal service
The payloads onboard HXMT include the High Energy X-ray Telescope, the Medium Energy X-ray Telescope, the Low Energy X-ray Telescope, as well as a Space Environment Monitor. The three telescope cover broad band (1–250 keV) the fist time.
2.6 Features
“慧眼”的探测面积很大，尤其是高能望远镜的探测面积超过了5000平方厘米，是国际上同能区探测器中面积最大的。“慧眼”的视场也很大，约两天即可完成对银道面的扫描，有利于监测暂现源。是建立在中国科学家李惕碚和吴枚提出的直接解调成像方法之上的准直型望远镜，因此它还具有观测亮源的优势。
The high-energy telescopes onboard HXMT has a detection area of exceeds 5000 square centimeters, which is the largest among the detectors in the same energy zone in the world. The field of vision is also very large. And the scanning of the galactic plane can be completed in about two days, which is conducive to monitoring the temporary source. It is a collimating telescope based on the direct demodulation imaging method proposed by Chinese scientists Li Tibei and Wu Mei, so it also has the advantage of observing bright sources.
HXMT has participated in joint surveys of international space and ground many times and has obtained a large amount of observation data of galactic plane scanning surveys, black holes, neutron stars, and solar flares. HXMT confirmed the discovery and released more than 40 gamma-ray bursts (beyond the original design capabilities of the instrument, not in the original scientific goal), of which more than 20 gamma bursts were first released by HXMT, of which 3 were found separately (not detected by other satellites). HXMT directly measured the strongest neutron star magnetic field cyclotron absorption line and completed the highest-precision pulsar navigation test in China. It has the highest discovery rate among similar devices in the world.
