dark matter

Scientists at Shanghai Engineering Centre for Microsatellites (SECM) are planning to develop a satellite with the widest observation spectrum known, to study dark matter and other energy particles in space.

Named dark matter particle explorer (DAMPE), the satellite will be designed to evaluate the direction, energy and electric charge of particles in space, over an operational life of three years.

SECM project chief scientist Chang Jin was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying that DAMPE will incorporate the highest energy resolution of any dark matter explorer.

Dark matter is one of the mysteries in physics that is still not fully understood, but based on the law of universal gravitation, scientists believe it does exist.

"DAMPE will incorporate the highest energy resolution of any dark matter explorer."

The substance represents around a quarter of the universe and can be indirectly observed through its interaction with visible matter.

DAMPE is the first of five satellites in the programme, and it will also explore the origin of cosmic rays and study high-energy gamma rays.

SECM has completed tests on all key components of the satellite with plans to launch by the end of the year.

The space programme intends to lift-off three more satellites in the next two years for scientific research, quantum science experiments and an X-ray telescope to study black holes and neutron stars.

Established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shanghai Government, SECM is a non-profit organisation that designs and develops technologies for micro, nano and pico-satellites.

Image: Blue contour lines indicate the distribution of dark matter in the cluster. Photo: courtesy of ESO/R. Massey.