China launches new satellite to observe 'mysterious transient phenomena'

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – China on Tuesday successfully launched a new satellite to observe “mysterious transient phenomena,” triggering a false missile launch alert in Taiwan.

The Einstein Probe satellite was sent into orbit via a Long March-2C carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province, Beijing-based daily Global Times reported.

“The Einstein Probe satellite serves as a catcher for cosmic explosions, capable of capturing more distant and fainter transient sources and erupting celestial bodies by exploring X-ray signals from gravitational wave sources,” it said.

“The launch is of scientific significance in studying the formation, evolution and merging of dense celestial bodies such as stellar activity, black holes and neutron stars,” according to the report.

The latest launch has marked the 506th flight mission of the Long March series rockets.

China has conducted 67 launches in 2023, with 47 carried out by the Long March rocket family, its main launch vehicle fleet.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military issued a nationwide emergency alert on Tuesday after China launched the satellite.

English version of the alert issued by the military read: "Missile flyover Taiwan airspace, be aware."

However, the Defense Ministry later said the English version was “mistaken.”

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid