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Einstein Probe: Unveiling the Transient X-ray Universe
YUAN Weimin, BAO Congying
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg12
Abstract(215) FullText HTML (61) PDF 15752KB(3)
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The Einstein Probe (EP), a Chinese-led international X-ray astronomy mission with key contributions from ESA, MPE, and CNES, is advancing time-domain astrophysics through its unprecedented wide-field soft X-ray monitoring capability to discover and characterize cosmic X-ray transients. Launched in January 2024, EP carries two complementary instruments: the Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT), which employs lobster-eye micro-pore optics to monitor approximately 11% of the sky with exceptional sensitivity, and the co-aligned Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT), which provides high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, and timing observations for rapid follow-up studies. During more than two years of in-orbit operations, EP has detected over 230 X-ray transients, including Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), rare compact binary systems, and previously unknown types of transients, thereby opening a new observational window for high-energy time-domain astrophysics. Major scientific achievements include the first demonstration of lobster-eye micro-pore focusing X-ray imaging over an extremely large field of view, the discovery of an intermediate-mass black hole through a tidal disruption event, the detection of a high-redshift gamma-ray burst with complex soft X-ray precursor emission, the identification of a weakly relativistic jet associated with a type Ic-BL supernova, and the discovery of unusual X-ray transients that highlight previously unrecognized manifestations of stellar collapse and compact-object interactions. These discoveries provide new insights into some of the most energetic and rapidly evolving astrophysical phenomena, ranging from stellar explosions and relativistic jets to tidal disruption events and black-hole accretion. Enabled by its unique instrumentation, autonomous rapid-response capability, and extensive international collaboration, EP is expected to continue delivering major discoveries and to remain a major facility for time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics.
China’s “Origins” Space Science Program
WANG Chi, DONG Xiaolong, SONG Tingting, CAO Song, ZHANG Aibing, CHI Yixing
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg18
Abstract(170) FullText HTML (75) PDF 1373KB(7)
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The “Origins” Program addresses the first-phase objectives to implement the National Mid- and Long-term Plan for Space Science in China (2024–2050), which was released in October, 2024. Focusing on fundamental questions concerning the "Origins", this program encompasses four flagship space science satellite missions: Discovering the Sky at the Longest wavelength (DSL), the Solar Polar Orbit Observatory (SPO), the Earth 2.0 (ET) mission, and the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission. These four missions are targeted for major discoveries and original scientific results on the grand questions about the early universe, space weather, earth-like exoplanets and physics of the extreme universe. By 2025, all four missions have completed the Preliminary Design Phase. These four missions have been scheduled to be launched before 2031.
Overview of Gravitational-wave High-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor Observations from 2024 to 2026
XIONG Shaolin
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg19
Abstract(119) FullText HTML (45) PDF 1826KB(3)
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During the past two years, the Gravitational-wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) has developed into a multi-instrument constellation, including GECAM-A/B, GECAM-C, and GECAM-D, for monitoring high-energy transients over a broad energy range from about 10 keV to 5 MeV. GECAM observations have produced important results on gamma-ray bursts, compact binary mergers, magnetar X-ray bursts, high-energy counterparts of fast X-ray transients, and terrestrial high-energy events. This review summarizes highlight of GECAM results published from 2024 to 2026, emphasizing observations of GRB 221009A, GRB 230307A, and the prolific Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154. These observations demonstrate the important role of GECAM as a high-time-resolution, all-sky gamma-ray monitor in time-domain multi-messenger astronomy and space science.
Progress of Fengyun Meteorological Satellite Integrated Observation System (2024–2026)
WANG Jinsong, GUAN Min, XU Na, JIA Shuze, FANG Meng, ZONG Weiguo, YAO Yixin, ZHANG Yu, LIU Chang, XIAN Di, FAN Cunqun
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg17
Abstract(143) FullText HTML (64) PDF 21649KB(5)
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This paper systematically presents the comprehensive progress of the Fengyun (FY) meteorological satellite integrated observation system during 2024–2026. With the successful launched of FY-3H polar-orbiting satellite and FY-4C geostationary satellite, the FY constellation has improved the polar four-orbit networking and geostationary two-satellite coordinated configuration, realizing optimized GEO-LEO satellites collaborative observation. Major breakthroughs have been made in hyperspectral detection, active microwave remote sensing, high-precision geolocation and radiometric calibration, as well as intelligent ground operation. The product system has been expanded to 85 geophysical parameters in six categories, with significant innovations in multi-source data fusion, physical-constrained retrieval and AI-driven algorithms. FY satellite data have been widely applied in weather forecasting, severe disaster monitoring, climate change assessment, ecological environment protection, space weather services and key industrial fields. Up to now, FY satellites have provided data and application services to 139 countries and regions, conducted international emergency support for disaster prevention and mitigation, and deeply participated in global meteorological governance. This paper summarizes the technological advances, application benefits and global contributions of the FY system, and prospects its future development in higher precision, intelligence and global services.
Progress Report on ASO-S: 2024－2026
SU Yang, GAN Weiqun
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg08
Abstract(172) FullText HTML (64) PDF 5313KB(2)
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This paper report on the progress of the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) mission and the related research. ASO-S was launched on 9 October 2022. Since the end of the commissioning phase at the end of July 2023, the three scientific payloads FMG, LST, and HXI have obtained unique datasets of solar activities, including X-ray flares, 360 nm white light flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), filament eruptions, Lyα brightenings, etc. The data products and event lists have been released. The in-orbit tests and calibrations carried out during the commissioning phase, as well as the early results based on the ASO-S data, a total of 30 papers, were published in a topical collection of Solar Physics between 2023 and 2025. In total, more than 180 papers related to ASO-S have been published.
Progress on SVOM Satellite Development
WEI Jianyan, Bertrand CORDIER
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2024-yg29
Abstract(98) FullText HTML (78) PDF 2581KB(1)
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SVOM (Space-based multi-band Variable Object Monitor) is a Chinese-French space mission mainly designed to study Gamma-Ray Bursts. The satellite has four instruments to detect and localize the prompt GRB emission and measure the evolution of the afterglow in the visible band and in soft X-rays, and a VHF communication system enabling the fast transmission of SVOM alerts to the ground. The ground segment includes an array of wide-angle cameras and two follow-up telescopes. It was launched into an orbit of ~635 km on 22 June 2024, with three years of nominal operations and two years extension. After the first two years in orbit, SVOM has detected 318 gamma-ray bursts, including 270 detected by GRM and 107 detected and localized by ECLAIRs, and is revealing a population of X-ray–rich bursts that had been only partially uncovered in the early 2000s by previous missions. GRB 250314A, detected by SVOM, is a burst from the early Universe with a redshift of approximately 7.3, which currently ranks as the third most distant gamma-ray burst ever spectroscopically confirmed.
Recent Scientific Progress and Mission Update for the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE)
WANG Chi, ESCOUBET Philippe, FORSYTH Colin, DAI Lei, REN Yong, LI Jing, LI Huawang, KONG Linggao, WANG Jindong, WANG Yongmei
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg10
Abstract(175) FullText HTML (154) PDF 54412KB(8)
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The Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission aims to study solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling globally. This review summarizes recent scientific progress and mission status relevant to future SMILE observations. The focus is on dayside magnetopause and cusp dynamics, soft X-ray image interpretation, magnetic-reconnection-driven convection, and storm-substorm coupling. The recent progress of the SMILE platform, payloads, ground segment, and commissioning plan is also briefly reviewed. These studies and mission developments provide the physical and observational basis for interpreting SMILE observations during the early science phase and beyond.
Latest Scientific Results of China’s Lunar and Deep Space Exploration (2024–2026)
LIU Yang, HUANG Liying, ZHOU Xiang, ZOU Yongliao
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg15
Abstract(193) FullText HTML (111) PDF 1427KB(12)
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China’s deep-space exploration program has entered a highly productive scientific stage, highlighted by the Chang’E-6 lunar farside sample return mission and continuous scientific exploitation of Tianwen-1 orbital and Zhurong rover datasets. This review summarizes the major scientific advances achieved between 2024 and 2026 in lunar and Martian explorations. The first returned samples from the lunar farside have provided unprecedented constraints on the formation of the South Pole-Aitken basin, early lunar crustal evolution, farside volcanism, mantle heterogeneity, volatile evolution, and space weathering processes. These studies reveal a complex evolutionary history involving long-lived magmatism, impact-driven crustal reworking, hemispheric differences in mantle composition, and distinctive regolith evolution. Meanwhile, recent Tianwen-1 investigations have significantly advanced our understanding of Martian surface composition, subsurface structure, geomorphological evolution, and the near-Mars space environment, providing new evidence for aqueous alteration, shallow ice-bearing materials, possible ancient shoreline deposits, and solar-wind-driven plasma processes. These achievements demonstrate the increasing scientific impact of China’s planetary exploration program and provide important new perspectives on terrestrial planet evolution, volatile histories, impact processes, and surface-environment interactions across the inner Solar System.
Advances in China’s Ocean Satellite Observation System Since 2024
LIU Yuxin, ZOU Bin, MA Chaofei, FENG Qian, LU Yunfei, YANG Dian
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg06
Abstract(209) FullText HTML (139) PDF 21403KB(3)
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Since 2024, China’s ocean satellite program has made systematic progress in the construction of observation systems, expansion of mission portfolios, enhancement of ground-support capabilities, product development, and intelligent applications. An ocean satellite observation system composed of ocean color satellites, ocean dynamic satellites, and ocean surveillance and monitoring satellites has been initially established, providing multi-satellite coordinated observation capabilities over China’s coastal seas, the global ocean, and polar regions. The successful launch of HY-4A has filled a gap in China’s spaceborne ocean salinity observation capability and provided a foundational capacity for operational global ocean salinity monitoring and related scientific research. The stable operation of ground receiving systems, calibration and validation sites, and data-sharing infrastructure has provided reliable support for networked ocean satellite observations and operational applications. The upgrading of the ocean color satellite data processing system, the development of application-ready products for the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, and the generation of multi-parameter polar sea-ice products indicate that China’s ocean satellite product system is evolving from basic data provision toward thematic, refined, and operational applications. The development of artificial intelligence foundation models represented by “SkyOcean” further suggests that ocean satellite applications are extending from two-dimensional sea-surface observations toward three-dimensional environmental reconstruction and prediction services.
Recent Progresses of the DAMPE Mission
CHANG Jin
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg14
Abstract(241) FullText HTML (102) PDF 6086KB(1)
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The Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is a space high-energy particle and γ-ray detector whose major scientific goals are the indirect detection of dark matter particles, the origin of cosmic rays and high-energy γ-ray astronomy. Since its successful launch in December, 2015, the DAMPE has been operated smoothly in orbit for more than 10 years. The precise measurement of the secondary boron spectrum reveals a spectral hardening with a very high significance. The spectra of five primary cosmic-ray nuclei, i.e. protons, helium, carbon, oxygen, and iron, are measured to unprecedented high energies, revealing the universal charge-dependent spectral softening for the first time. The energy spectrum of nickel is firstly measured to above TeV/n. The Fermi bubbles and GCE are detected in the γ-ray flux map at very high significances. The DAMPE measurements are expected to significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental problems in astroparticle physics.
Recent Progress of Earth Observation Satellites in China Since 2024
HUANG Shusong, XIA Tian, ZHANG Wenhui, ZHAO Yingfen, CHEN Weirong
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg13
Abstract(358) FullText HTML (88) PDF 9054KB(4)
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Since 2024, China has continuously launched new Earth observation satellites, and now 33 satellites are operating stably in orbit. These satellites are equipped with optical, multispectral, infrared and radar payloads to produce rich remote sensing data. Their spatial resolution covers low, medium and high levels, enabling multi-spectral, all-time and all-weather observation across the globe. The remote sensing data are widely used in natural resource detection, environmental governance, disaster prevention and mitigation, urban mapping, agricultural and forestry investigation, geological exploration and ocean forecasting, bringing substantial social and economic benefits. This article summarizes the overall status of China’s Earth observation satellites since 2024, focusing on satellite launch progress, data coverage and data distribution performance.
The Chinese Meridian Project (CMP) and the International Meridian Circle Program (IMCP): Overview, Progress, and Achievements
WANG Chi, XU Jiyao, ZHANG Qinghe, WANG Jiangyan, REN Liwen, YANG Fang
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg07
Abstract(192) FullText HTML (137) PDF 1547KB(9)
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The National Major Scientific and Technological Infrastructure— the Chinese Meridian Project (CMP) — completed its Phase II acceptance and integration with Phases I in March 2025, and has since entered full operation. The project employs a detection architecture consisting of “one chain, three networks, and four focuses”, deploying 282 monitoring instruments across 31 stations within China’s territory and at both poles. This forms a grid-like comprehensive ground-based network monitoring the geospace environment along 100°E, 120°E, 30°N, and 40°N. Currently, this project has the world's most extensive, comprehensive, and capable such network. The data it acquires are openly shared globally, supporting worldwide cutting-edge scientific research on space weather and its warning/forecasting. This article highlights research advances achieved over the past two years using the CMP data, and briefly introduces the International Meridian Circle Program, which is currently being promoted and initiated based on the CMP.
Recent Advances of the SDGSAT-1 for Supporting Global SDG Monitoring and Evaluation
GUO Huadong, DOU Changyong, JIANG Nijun, TANG Yunwei
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg11
Abstract(271) FullText HTML (115) PDF 6541KB(17)
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As a dedicated scientific satellite tailored to advance the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), the Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1) has entered its fifth year of in-orbit operation. This satellite has witnessed a rapid diversification in its research applications. The satellite’s data have been used by more than 116 countries, and over 220 peer-reviewed papers have been published. Such remarkable research growth is attributable to the high-quality data products derived from SDGSAT-1’s technological innovations, alongside its open data access policy and sustainably maintained operational status underpinned by the SDGSAT-1 Open Science Program. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the mission’s research progress over the past two years and elaborates on the future development prospects for ongoing global SDG monitoring and assessment.
Insight-HXMT Research Progress in 2024–2026
ZHANG Shu, ZHANG Shuangnan
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg09
Abstract(155) FullText HTML (150) PDF 17805KB(3)
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Since the launch in 2017 June, Insight-HXMT has been in service smoothly in orbit and its scientific productivity has been particularly high since 2024. Among a total number of 425 papers published so far based on Insight-HXMT data, roughly 150 were published from April 2024 to June 2026, accounting for 35% of the total. These studies cover a variety of scientific subjects, including the basic properties of black holes and neutron stars, the outbursts of accreting black hole and neutron star X-ray binaries, thermal nuclear burst probes, quasi-periodical oscillations, cyclotron resonant scattering features, fast radio bursts and gamma-ray bursts, etc. This paper reviews the overall progress with a focus on some potential breakthroughs.
Progress in Space Science and Utilization on the China Space Station in 2024–2026
GU Yidong, WANG Qiang, LÜ Congmin, LI Xuzhi, ZHONG Hongen, LIU Guoning, ZHANG Wei, ZHANG Jiuxing, BA Jin
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2026.04.2026-yg05
Abstract(238) FullText HTML (251) PDF 80290KB(15)
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The China Space Station was assembled by the end of 2022, comprising three modules equipped with intravehicular science experiment racks and extravehicular exposed facilities. Operating for over three years, the station has implemented more than 170 science and utilization projects. A series of original, cutting-edge achievements has been attained in space life sciences and biotechnology, space materials science, microgravity fluid and thermal physics, microgravity combustion science, microgravity fundamental physics, and space innovative technology demonstration. This paper introduces the general progress of in-orbit science and utilization, along with typical scientific discoveries—such as the mammal on-orbit feeding experiment, growth of InSe semiconductor crystals, fabrication of high-performance field-effect transistors on ground, and observation of a metastable Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) phase in the crystallization of charged colloids. Planned science and utilization projects will be executed progressively and systematically. Furthermore, applications and transformations of these findings will be further promoted.
Design of Finite Frequency Domain Disturbance Rejection Controller for the Drag-free Spacecraft in Space-borne Gravitational Wave Detection
XU Qianjiao, CUI Bing, WANG Pengcheng, XIA Yuanqing, ZHANG Yonghe
, Available online  , doi: 10.11728/cjss2024.05.2024-0022
Abstract(2167) FullText HTML (1010) PDF 5881KB(88)
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In space-borne gravitational wave detection, there are technical challenges in designing the controller for the drag-free spacecraft with dual test masses. These difficulties arise from constraints within the limited measurement frequency domain and the necessity for a high-precision control index. In this paper, a design method of disturbance rejection controller in the finite frequency domain based on the generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (GKYP) lemma is proposed. Firstly, to address the performance constraints within the designated frequency band of the detection mission, a finite frequency domain control performance index in the form of a frequency response function is constructed. This index is meticulously developed by amalgamating the sensitivity and complementary sensitivity control indexes. Then, a control structure with fixed-order characteristics for output feedback is proposed, and a method for selecting controller parameters based on the GKYP lemma is established. By this, a finite frequency domain disturbance-resistant controller design method is constructed. In contrast to current drag-free controller design methods, the proposed approach significantly diminishes the conservatism in the control index. This realizes the precise design of the controller in the specified frequency band, ultimately resulting in a reduction in the order of the controller. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed method successfully meets the control performance index for each loop of the drag-free system even in the presence of complex disturbances and noises.

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