China to launch first solar observatory for early space weather warnings

Published at: 04/02/2026 09:11 AM

China is already scheduled to launch the Chinese “Xihe-2” satellite between 2028 and 2029; technology that will become the first spacecraft deployed at the Sun-Earth gravitational equilibrium point L5.

This observatory will be able to detect active regions on the Sun 4 to 5 days in advance of satellites in orbit close to the Earth, which will open up new perspectives for space weather prediction and early warning.

Professor Ding Mingde, from the Faculty of Astronomy and Space Sciences at Nanjing University, explained that the L5 point is one of the five points of Sun-Earth gravitational equilibrium. By forming an equilateral triangle with the Sun and the Earth, a satellite located there can maintain its orbit with minimal fuel consumption.

Unlike direct observation from Earth, an observer at L5 views the Sun from a lateral angle of approximately 60 degrees to the solar rotation. This perspective makes it possible to detect active regions on the solar surface 4 to 5 days before they are visible from Earth, which represents an important advance in early warning and space weather prediction.

The analysis of data from the L5 satellite together with those from satellites in close orbit will make it possible to develop more complete three-dimensional solar observations, improve accuracy in measuring the solar magnetic field and comprehensively study solar phenomena such as eruptions and coronal mass ejections, as well as their propagation.

Mazo News Team