China has successfully launched its first X-ray space telescope – named Insight – to study black holes, gamma-ray bursts and pulsars. The Chinese observatory is the largest in Asia with a mirror diameter of about 20 metres, which will allow it to observe objects as small as one kilometre across. The Beijing government views its multibillion-dollar space programme as a symbol of its ascendenc and of the Communist Party's success.
China has successfully launched its first X-ray space telescope – named Insight – to study black holes, gamma-ray bursts and pulsars. "Insight is expected to push forward the development of space astronomy and improve space X-ray detection technology in China," said state media agency Xinhua. The Beijing government views its multibillion-dollar space programme as a symbol of its ascendenc and of the Communist Party's success.