Chinese Compound Eye Is Under Construction! It Can Realize The Detection And Imaging Of Asteroids Tens Of Millions Of Kilometers Away
Jul 11, 2022
The reporter recently learned from the Chongqing Innovation Center of Beijing Institute of Technology that Beijing Institute of Technology will lead the development of the deep space detection radar "China Compound Eye" in Chongqing, with an expected range of 150 million kilometers. This project is the second phase of the "Super Large Distributed Aperture Radar High Resolution Deep Space Active Observation Facility".
The first phase of the project "Distributed Radar Astronomical Imaging Measurement Instrument Verification Test Site" in Chongqing. (Photo courtesy of Chongqing Innovation Center, Beijing Institute of Technology)
It is understood that the "Super Large Distributed Aperture Radar High-resolution Deep Space Active Observation Facility" is planned and constructed by the Chongqing Innovation Center of Beijing Institute of Technology. It will observe near-Earth/main-belt asteroids, the moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, etc.
Long Teng, president of Beijing Institute of Technology, introduced that the "Chinese compound eye" is composed of many small antennas into a large antenna, which can detect asteroids by spontaneously receiving electromagnetic waves. It can meet the requirements of near-Earth asteroid defense, space situational awareness, etc., and be used for cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation research such as earth habitability and planet formation.
According to reports, the first phase of the project "Distributed Radar Astronomical Imaging Measuring Instrument Verification Test Site" consists of four 16-meter aperture radars, which are used to verify the feasibility of the radar system and key technologies, and can realize three-dimensional imaging of the moon. Construction has now started. .
The second phase of the project will build 25 to 36 high-resolution distributed radars, each with an antenna of 25 meters in diameter, which can realize the detection and imaging of asteroids tens of millions of kilometers away, and complete the demonstration of deep space radar detection and imaging. The verification will provide important support for my country's near-Earth asteroid impact defense and planetary scientific research.
