# Chinese Hα Solar Explorer

> Solar Explorer

**Wikidata**: [Q108918724](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108918724)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_H-alpha_Solar_Explorer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chinese-h-solar-explorer

## Summary
The Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (also known as Xihe) is a robotic spacecraft launched by China in 2021 to observe the Sun using the Hα spectral line. It is part of China's solar observation program and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing valuable data for studying solar activity.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 14, 2021, at 10:51 UTC from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.
- **Mass**: 550 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 94.83 minutes.
- **Primary Mission**: Solar observation, specifically using the Hα spectral line.
- **Operator**: Nanjing University.
- **Manufacturer**: Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D.
- **Aliases**: CHASE, Xihe, Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer, 太陽Ｈα線スペクトル探査およびダブル超高性能プラットフォーム科学技術試験衛星, 太阳Hα光谱探测与双超平台科学技术试验卫星, 羲和號, 시허 호.
- **Named After**: Xihe, a mythical solar deity in Chinese mythology.
- **Country of Origin**: People's Republic of China.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer?
A: The Chinese Hα Solar Explorer is designed to observe the Sun using the Hα spectral line, which helps in studying solar flares, prominences, and other solar phenomena.

### Q: Who operates the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer?
A: The spacecraft is operated by Nanjing University, a key institution in China's space science research.

### Q: What type of orbit does the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer use?
A: The spacecraft operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, allowing it to maintain a consistent viewing angle relative to the Sun.

### Q: What is the significance of the Hα spectral line in solar observation?
A: The Hα spectral line is a specific wavelength of light emitted by hydrogen atoms, which is particularly useful for studying the chromosphere of the Sun, including solar flares and prominences.

### Q: How was the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer launched?
A: The spacecraft was launched on October 14, 2021, using a Long March 2D rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

## Why It Matters
The Chinese Hα Solar Explorer plays a crucial role in advancing solar research in China. By focusing on the Hα spectral line, it provides detailed observations of solar activity, including flares and prominences, which are essential for understanding space weather and its potential impacts on Earth. This mission contributes to China's growing capabilities in space-based astronomy and solar science, enhancing its position in global space exploration. The data collected by Xihe supports both scientific research and practical applications, such as improving space weather forecasting and satellite operations.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese Solar Observatory in Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Xihe is the first Chinese solar observatory to operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent and high-quality solar data.
- **Advanced Hα Spectroscopy**: The spacecraft's use of Hα spectroscopy allows for detailed observations of the Sun's chromosphere, a layer critical for understanding solar flares and prominences.
- **Collaboration with Nanjing University**: Operated by Nanjing University, Xihe represents a significant collaboration between academic institutions and space agencies in China.
- **Long March 2D Launch**: The successful deployment of Xihe on a Long March 2D rocket demonstrates China's reliability in launching scientific missions.
- **Named After Mythical Solar Deity**: The spacecraft is named after Xihe, a mythical solar deity in Chinese mythology, reflecting the cultural significance of solar exploration in Chinese space programs.

## Body
### Mission Overview
The Chinese Hα Solar Explorer, also known as Xihe, was launched on October 14, 2021, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2D rocket. Weighing 550 kilograms, the spacecraft is designed for solar observation, specifically focusing on the Hα spectral line. This spectral line is crucial for studying the Sun's chromosphere, including solar flares and prominences.

### Orbit and Operation
Xihe operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, which means it maintains a consistent viewing angle relative to the Sun. This orbit allows for continuous and high-quality solar observations. The spacecraft's orbital period is approximately 94.83 minutes, ensuring regular data collection.

### Scientific Contributions
Operated by Nanjing University, Xihe contributes to China's solar research efforts. The spacecraft's advanced Hα spectroscopy provides detailed insights into solar activity, supporting both scientific research and practical applications such as space weather forecasting.

### Cultural Significance
Named after Xihe, a mythical solar deity in Chinese mythology, the spacecraft reflects the cultural importance of solar exploration in China. This naming choice underscores the mission's role in advancing both scientific knowledge and cultural heritage.

### Technological Achievements
The successful launch and deployment of Xihe on a Long March 2D rocket highlight China's capabilities in space technology. The spacecraft's design and operation represent a significant advancement in solar observation technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report