# Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope

> X-ray space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q3125220](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3125220)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_X-ray_Modulation_Telescope)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hard-x-ray-modulation-telescope

## Summary
The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), also known as Insight-HXMT, is a Chinese X-ray space observatory designed to observe distant space objects. Launched on June 15, 2017, it serves as a specialized instrument in outer space for high-energy astronomical observations.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** X-ray telescope and space telescope.
- **Country of Origin:** People's Republic of China.
- **Launch Date:** June 15, 2017.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 4B orbital carrier rocket.
- **Launch Site:** Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2017-034A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 42758.
- **Official Website:** http://newshxmt.ihep.ac.cn/index.php/enhome.
- **Aliases:** Insight-HXMT, HXMT, and Telescopio de modulacion de rayos X duros.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope?
A: The HXMT is a space observatory used for the observation of distant space objects. It functions as a space-based instrument specifically designed to detect and study X-ray emissions from the cosmos.

### Q: When and how was the HXMT launched?
A: The telescope was launched on June 15, 2017, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It was carried into orbit by a Chinese Long March 4B carrier rocket.

### Q: By what other names is this telescope known?
A: It is frequently referred to as Insight-HXMT or simply HXMT. In Spanish, it is identified as the Telescopio de modulacion de rayos X duros.

## Why It Matters
The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope represents a significant advancement in the People's Republic of China's space-based astronomical capabilities. As a dedicated X-ray observatory, it provides a platform for observing high-energy phenomena that are not visible to traditional optical telescopes or ground-based instruments. By operating in outer space, it bypasses the interference of Earth's atmosphere to collect data on distant celestial objects. The mission contributes to the global understanding of the universe's high-energy processes and demonstrates the utility of the Long March 4B rocket for deploying complex scientific payloads. Its data supports international research, evidenced by its documentation in multiple languages and its presence in global satellite databases.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese X-ray Observatory:** A major milestone for China's space program in the field of high-energy astrophysics.
- **Launch Platform:** Successfully deployed using the Long March 4B, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.
- **International Identification:** Recognized globally under COSPAR ID 2017-034A and NSSDCA ID 2017-034A.
- **Multilingual Documentation:** Information regarding the mission is maintained in various languages, including English, Spanish, French, Russian, and German.

## Body

### Classification and Purpose
The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope is categorized as both a space telescope and an X-ray telescope. Its primary function is to serve as an instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects that emit high-energy radiation. It is officially referred to as Insight-HXMT.

### Launch and Deployment
The observatory reached orbit following a successful rocket launch on June 15, 2017. The significant event took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch vehicle used for this mission was the Long March 4B, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.

### Technical Specifications and Identifiers
The telescope is tracked and cataloged by several international scientific and aerospace organizations:
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 42758
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2017-034A
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 2017-034A
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/05t0424 (published October 28, 2013)
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "42758"]

### Digital and Academic Presence
The mission maintains an official web presence through the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) at http://newshxmt.ihep.ac.cn/index.php/enhome. The telescope is also documented in the Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition) under IDs 438810 and 507469. Its significance is reflected in its inclusion across 11 different language versions of Wikipedia, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/06/china-x-ray-telescope-long-march-4b/)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013