Abstract
European Einstein Probe (EP) satellite, use wide-field hard X-ray telescopes and soft X-ray telescopes to autonomously detect, locate, and disseminate information on transient objects across different wavebands. Through rapid maneuvering and high-precision telescopes, they also achieve onboard follow-up observation capabilities for transients. Currently, these two satellites work together as powerful hunters of transient phenomena. Under the “Space Exploration of Origins” program, the eXTP satellite (enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry Observatory) is designed to observe black holes, neutron stars, and extreme explosive events in the universe, with a planned launch in 2030. The CATCH project, leveraging the low-cost advantage of small satellites, aims to capture and monitor all-sky variable sources through space-based networking. One can imagine that when these four scientific satellite projects coordinate and operate simultaneously in orbit, they will play a significant role in uncovering the mysteries of the universe and advancing human understanding of the cosmos. Chief Designer Zhang Yonghe and his scientific satellite team have already traveled a twenty-year journey. Looking ahead, more young talents are needed to shape the future of space science exploration. We welcome passionate and motivated university students to join this endeavor.
Biography
Dr. Zhang Yonghe is the Deputy Director of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Director of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Laboratory(STARLab), and Director of the Key Laboratory of Satellite Digital Technology. He has long been dedicated to research on space science exploration satellite system design and control technology. He served as the Chief Designer of the Einstein Probe (EP) satellite and the Project Director and System Engineer of the China-France cooperation astronomical satellite--SVOM satellite. He led the development of an integrated space-ground multi-band detection system for cosmic transients such as gamma-ray bursts, and he is also the principal investigator for drag-free control technology of gravitational wave detection spacecraft.
Currently, Zhang Yonghe serves as the Chief Designer of the flagship X-ray telescope (eXTP) satellite under China’s “Space Exploration of Origins” program, and is also leading the system study of CATCH, the follow-up constellation project of the China-France SVOM satellite mission.
Over twenty years of research in the aerospace field, Dr. Zhang has continuously advanced international cooperation efforts, collaborating with ESA, CNES, CEA, MPE, and NSSTC on satellite engineering and development. He has received the 2024 Aerospace Contribution Award, and his team was honored as one of the "2025 Top Ten Inspiring Figures in Shanghai." He has published two monographs and 26 SCI papers in the past five years.
This event is jointly organized by the Department of Physics and the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend.