China to launch its first satellite to the sun, and wants public to name it
- Suggestions for names invited over the coming days for satellite that will launch this year
- Mars rover Zhu Rong was named after the god of fire in Chinese mythology, following a public consultation that drew nearly 40,000 entries
Designed to test China’s first solar observation satellite platform, Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer (CHASE) will be launched later this year and mark the beginning of the country’s exploration of the sun, Science and Technology Daily said.
Several organisations involved, including its main developer, state-run China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), have invited the public to suggest names for the test satellite by October 7.
An advertisement by CASC said 10 submissions would be shortlisted for consideration by an expert panel, with a winning name announced before the launch day.
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CHASE is expected to obtain for the first time full images of the sun in a visible red line called H-alpha waveband. It will complement the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), a more comprehensive observing satellite that will be launched in the first half of next year.
Researchers have estimated that solar activity will start a new 11-year cycle this year and peak in 2024 and 2025. The Chinese mission will make detailed records of this activity.