| Mission type | Heliophysics |
|---|---|
| Operator | CAS |
| COSPAR ID | 2022-129A |
| SATCAT no. | 54029  |
| Website | http://aso-s.pmo.ac.cn/en_index.jsp |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | CAS |
| Launch mass | 888 kg (1,958 lb) [1] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 8 October 2022 |
| Rocket | CZ-2D |
| Launch site | Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous orbit |
The Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory, also known as ASO-S, [2] is a satellite mission aimed at improving observations of solar activity. The satellite was launched using the CZ-2D rocket at 07:43:55 local time on October 9, 2022 [2] (8 October 2022 at 23:43 UTC). [3] The satellite is a part of the Kuafu project, and is also unofficially known as Kuafu-1 (夸父一号).
ASO-S was first proposed by the Chinese solar physics community in 2010 [1] or 2011, [2] and was formally approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017. The mission is aimed at studying the Solar Magnetic Field, Coronal Mass Ejections and Solar flares. [2]
The Chief Scientist is Weiqun Gan of the Purple Mountain Observatory, while the chief designer and the chief administrator are both associated with the National Space Science Center , which is part of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. [3]