Taiji-1, China’s first microgravity technology experimental satellite, was launched on Aug. 31, 2019 as the first satellite under Phase II of the Strategic Priority Program on Space Science (SPPSS-II), which is sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.  

By the end of 2019, the satellite’s in-orbit tests had been completed and results exceeded expectations. In-orbit tests showed that the displacement measurement precision for the laser interferometer on Taiji-1 reached 100 picometers. The precision of the gravitational reference sensor on the satellite reached 10 billionths of the magnitude of the earth’s gravitational acceleration. The thrust resolution of the microthruster on the satellite reached the sub-micronewton level. 

Taiji-1 achieved China’s highest accuracy for spatial laser interferometry; successfully conducted China’s first in-orbit drag-free control technology test; and realized the world’s first in-orbit verification of micronewton-level radio frequency ion propulsion technology and dual mode hall-effect microthruster technology. The experimental results of Taiji-1 validated the correctness and feasibility of the Taiji Program’s technical path. “Taiji-1” has laid a solid foundation for China’s space gravitational wave detection. 

"Taiji-1" was successfully launched on Aug. 31, 2019 

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