TC-2 was delivered to users.
Administrator Sun Laiyan addressed the ceremony.
Delivery Ceremony of TC-2.
On April 18, 2005, TC-2, the second satellite of Double Star Program (DSP), which was jointly developed by CNSA and ESA, is approved by CNSA to be delivered to the user, for its payloads are working well after the on-board test and test run and the technical index can meet the user's need. The satellite has collected large amount of valuable scientific data.
DSP was proposed by the Chinese scientist in 1997. As soon as it appeared, DSP aroused the interest in space physics field world wide and was supported by ESA. CNSA initiated DSP on Feb. 19, 2001, when the development and construction of the systems were started. In 2000, ESA launched CLUSTER II that collected large amount of data. In order to strengthen the cooperation in this field, CNSA and ESA formally signed the agreement on cooperation in double star program at the headquarter of ESA in Paris. The agreement defined that both sides would support DSP which would, in coordination with the four satellites of CLUSTER II, explore different areas at the same time and investigate the trigger mechanism of magnetosphere space storms. TC-1, which was launched successfully in December 2003 and then delivered to users on April 12, 2004, are still working well. All the instruments onboard are in good condition and have collected large amount of data. Meanwhile, the scientists jointly analyzed the data obtained by CLUSTER II and TC-1 satellite and got some scientific achievement.
On July 25, 2004, TC-2 was launched successfully. Its successful launch and normal operation has realized DSP. At the same time, as an important part of international exploration program, the cooperation on the DSP/CLUSTER II has realized the six-point geospace exploration in human history.
At the ceremony, Mr. Sun Laiyan, Administrator of CNSA pointed out that DSP is the good example of CNSA-ESA cooperation. The success of DSP will extend the cooperation on space between CNSA and ESA and improve the friendship of both sides. DSP is eye catching in international space exploration and is responded and supported by ESA. Meanwhile, China's DSP and ESA's CLESTER are complementary for each other, exploring different areas at the same time and realizing six-point geospace exploration in human history, which has greatly increased scientific significance. This cooperation is mutual benefit and makes human beings know much about outer space. The implementation of DSP has increased understanding and trust in space technology and space science between China and Europe and promoted the friendship of Chinese and European scientists and technicians, which provides the base for the future collaboration between China and ESA.
Mr. Sun Laiyan also remarked that DSP was the first large space exploration program supported by China. It is an important measure to develop space science since the White Paper on China's Space Activities was issued. The realization of DSP will effectively promote the development of China's space science. It is significant for raising the level of China's space science and promoting space technology to benefit society.
Those who were present at the delivery ceremony are Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, Vice-Administrator of CNSA, Mr. Cao Jianlin, Vice-President of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr. Xu Hongliang, Vice-President of CLTC, Mr. Oosterlinck, Director of ESA Galileo Project Office, Academician Wang Xiji, general engineer of DSP and Academician Liu Zhenxing, chief scientist of DSP.
