On April 24, during the main event of the 11th China Space Day, the China National Space Administration released the “Xihe-2 International Cooperation Opportunity Announcement,” opening collaboration opportunities to the international community and inviting international partners to participate in the Xihe-2 mission to jointly explore solar science and expand human knowledge.
This open cooperation offers approximately 15 kilograms of payload capacity for international scientific instruments on Xihe-2. These instruments will be installed on the Xihe-2 probe platform to conduct space science observations and research together.
The Xihe-2 probe is planned to be launched into the target orbit at the Sun-Earth Lagrange L5 point to carry out tasks such as three-dimensional solar observation. It aims to explore the characteristics and evolution of magnetic fields in solar active regions, reveal the three-dimensional structure and physical mechanisms of solar eruptions, clarify the propagation patterns of solar eruptions and their impact on Earth, and provide support for timely early warning and accurate forecasting of space weather.
China Space Day
China Space Day, celebrated annually on April 24th, commemorates the successful launch of China’s first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, in 1970. Established in 2016, the day aims to promote public interest in space exploration and honor the achievements of China’s aerospace industry. It features exhibitions, educational events, and announcements of new space missions to inspire future generations.
Xihe-2
Xihe-2 is a small, historically significant village located in the mountainous region of Longnan City, Gansu Province, China. It is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture, including traditional courtyard homes and ancestral halls, many of which date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The village’s name and layout reflect its long history as a rural settlement, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese village life and architectural heritage.
Sun-Earth Lagrange L5 point
The Sun-Earth Lagrange L5 point is a stable region in space, located 60 degrees behind Earth in its orbit around the Sun, where gravitational forces balance to allow objects to remain relatively stationary. It has been theorized as a potential location for future space observatories or colonies, as it offers a stable vantage point for studying the Sun and the solar system. Historically, L5 gained attention in the 1970s with proposals for space settlements, and it is also known for possibly hosting a hypothetical cloud of asteroids or dust, though no major missions have yet been sent there.
