# Einstein Probe > Chinese X-ray astronomy satellite **Wikidata**: [Q30765887](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30765887) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_Probe) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/einstein-probe ## Summary The Einstein Probe is a Chinese X-ray astronomy satellite launched on January 9, 2024, designed to observe high-energy celestial phenomena and advance time-domain astronomy. It operates in low Earth orbit with specialized instruments for detecting and studying transient X-ray sources like black holes and neutron stars. ## Key Facts - The Einstein Probe (also known as EP, Einstein Tanzhen, Aiyinsitan Tanzhen, 爱因斯坦探针, 愛因斯坦探針衛星) was launched on January 9, 2024, at 07:03 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2C rocket (Y56). - The satellite has a launch weight of 1,450 kilograms, dimensions of 3.605 meters in length and 3.000 meters in width, and operates in low Earth orbit with a COSPAR ID of 2024-007A. - It is a space telescope used for high-energy astronomy and time-domain astronomy purposes, carrying a Wide-field X-ray Telescope and Follow-up X-ray Telescope. - The Einstein Probe is operated by the National Space Science Center, with participation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, European Space Agency, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, and CNES. - It is powered by spacecraft solar arrays producing 1,212 watts of electrical power with 2 panels. - The satellite uses the Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus as its technical platform. - Official websites are maintained by both the National Astronomical Observatory of China and the European Space Agency. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the Einstein Probe used for? A: The Einstein Probe is designed for high-energy astronomy and time-domain astronomy, specifically observing X-ray emissions from celestial objects like black holes, neutron stars, and other high-energy phenomena that change over time. ### Q: Who built and operates the Einstein Probe? A: The Einstein Probe was built by multiple Chinese organizations including the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites (spacecraft), National Astronomical Observatory of China (Wide-field X-ray Telescope), Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics (Wide-field X-ray Telescope), and Institute of High Energy Physics (Follow-up X-ray Telescope). It is operated by the National Space Science Center. ### Q: When and where was the Einstein Probe launched? A: The Einstein Probe was launched on January 9, 2024, at 07:03 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2C rocket (Y56). ### Q: What is unique about the Einstein Probe's collaboration? A: The Einstein Probe involves significant international collaboration with participation from Chinese institutions, the European Space Agency, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (Germany), and CNES (France), representing a global effort in space-based X-ray astronomy. ## Why It Matters The Einstein Probe represents a significant advancement in X-ray astronomy and time-domain research, addressing the challenge of detecting and studying transient astronomical phenomena that occur over short timescales. By providing rapid detection capabilities and follow-up observations, it enables scientists to capture rare cosmic events that would otherwise be missed by traditional observation methods. Its international collaboration with European space agencies and institutions demonstrates the global importance of this mission. The satellite's advanced instrumentation will help astronomers understand fundamental questions about black hole behavior, neutron star dynamics, and other high-energy processes in the universe, potentially leading to discoveries that reshape our understanding of cosmic phenomena. ## Notable For - Being China's advanced X-ray astronomy satellite focused on time-domain observations, launched in January 2024 with specialized capabilities for detecting transient X-ray sources - Featuring the Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus, a specialized platform for space-based observations - Carrying scientific instruments built by multiple Chinese institutes including the National Astronomical Observatory of China, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, and Institute of High Energy Physics - Operating with 1,212 watts of power from 2 solar panels while maintaining scientific observation capabilities in low Earth orbit - Having a unique dual-website model managed by both Chinese (National Astronomical Observatory of China) and European (ESA) organizations ## Body ### Basic Information The Einstein Probe (EP, 爱因斯坦探针) is a Chinese X-ray astronomy satellite launched on January 9, 2024. It has a launch weight of 1,450 kilograms, with dimensions of 3.605 meters in length and 3.000 meters in width. The satellite operates in low Earth orbit and has a COSPAR ID of 2024-007A. It was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2C rocket (Y56). ### Ownership and Operation The Einstein Probe is operated by the National Space Science Center, with participation from multiple organizations including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, European Space Agency, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, and CNES. The satellite was built by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites for the spacecraft bus, while scientific instruments were constructed by the National Astronomical Observatory of China, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics (Wide-field X-ray Telescope), and Institute of High Energy Physics (Follow-up X-ray Telescope). ### Scientific Instruments and Capabilities The Einstein Probe carries two main scientific instruments: 1. Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT): Developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of China and Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics 2. Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT): Developed by the Institute of High Energy Physics These instruments enable the satellite to conduct high-energy astronomy and time-domain astronomy research, allowing scientists to study transient astronomical phenomena including black holes, neutron stars, and other high-energy cosmic events. ### Technical Specifications - Mass: 1,450 kg (launch weight) - Dimensions: 3.605 m (length) × 3.000 m (width) - Power source: Spacecraft solar arrays - Power output: 1,212 watts (2 panels) - Orbit: Low Earth orbit - Launch vehicle: Long March 2C (Y56) - Launch date: January 9, 2024, at 07:03 - Launch site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center ### International Collaboration The Einstein Probe represents a significant international collaboration in space science. While primarily a Chinese mission, it involves participation from the European Space Agency, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (Germany), and CNES (France). The satellite also has dual official websites in English, one managed by the National Astronomical Observatory of China and another by the European Space Agency. ### Official Information Resources The Einstein Probe has official websites managed by its participating organizations: - Chinese website: https://ep.bao.ac.cn/ (managed by National Astronomical Observatory of China) - European website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/einstein-probe (managed by European Space Agency) The satellite is also featured in multiple languages on Wikipedia and has a presence in Wikimedia Commons, with articles in languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Italian, Latvian, Russian, and Ukrainian. ## References 1. [Source](https://ep.bao.ac.cn/ep/cms/article/view?id=43) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/einstein-probe.htm) 4. [Source](https://ep.bao.ac.cn/ep/cms/article/view?id=29)