专访中国首颗太阳探测科学技术试验卫星“羲和号”首席科学家：不到一分钟，就可给太阳“做次CT”

Core Viewpoint - The "Xihe" satellite, China's first dedicated solar observation satellite, has made significant advancements in solar research since its launch, generating approximately 1.2 Pbit of scientific data and achieving five international breakthroughs [1][5]. Group 1: Technological Innovations - The "Xihe" satellite employs a revolutionary design that utilizes magnetic levitation technology to eliminate micro-vibration issues, enhancing imaging quality and achieving a control precision and stability that is two orders of magnitude better than traditional satellite platforms [3][4]. - An atomic frequency navigation instrument onboard "Xihe" has achieved a measurement accuracy of better than 2 meters per second, marking the first use of atomic frequency principles in space [4]. Group 2: Scientific Discoveries - In 2023, "Xihe" produced a three-dimensional image of the solar atmosphere's rotation, revealing an anomalous increase in rotation speed from the interior to the exterior, challenging existing theories about solar dynamics [5][6]. - The satellite has also captured rare X1-class white light flares, which present new challenges for understanding their heating and radiation mechanisms, suggesting the possibility of new heating processes [5][6]. Group 3: Data Sharing and Collaboration - The data from "Xihe" is openly accessible to global researchers, with teams from 15 countries already utilizing the observational data, fostering international collaboration in solar physics [7]. - The satellite's data has led to over 70 research papers, contributing significantly to the understanding of solar phenomena and enhancing the capabilities of space weather monitoring [7]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Plans for future solar exploration include the "Xihe II" satellite and the "KuaFu II" solar observatory, aiming to advance China's position in solar research and compete with international efforts [8][9]. - The "Xihe" satellite is positioned to play a crucial role in monitoring solar activities, providing essential data for space weather forecasting and mitigating potential hazards to high-tech human activities [9].