Our country’s “Tai Chi Project” achieves a key breakthrough; space-based gravitational wave detection advances another step forward

On May 9th, the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced new progress in China’s space gravitational wave detection “Taiji Program.” The scientific research team successfully developed a full-function interferometer optical platform, and through rigorous ground testing, marking an important step forward for China in space-based gravitational wave detection. The “Taiji Program” is China’s independently proposed space gravitational wave detection plan, which aims to use three satellites to precisely measure gravitational waves over a distance of 3 million kilometers using laser technology, a task of extremely high difficulty. Previously, China successfully launched the “Taiji-1” satellite, verifying core technologies. According to reports, the newly developed optical platform features an innovative layout design that effectively reduces the interference caused by temperature changes, achieving measurement accuracy at the picometer level, equivalent to detecting tiny changes one ten-thousandth the diameter of a hair. Testing shows that the device’s noise level has been significantly reduced, with measurement stability improved tenfold, and key indicators fully meeting space detection requirements. This achievement makes it possible for gravitational wave detection equipment to move from laboratory prototypes to engineering applications. (Xinhua News Agency)