China Tests Micro Propulsion Technology for Space-Based, Gravitational-Wave Detection

Chinese space engineers have tested a micro propulsion technology on a recently launched satellite, which could be used in future space-based, gravitational-wave detection. Experts from the China Academy of Space Technology, under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, said they tested the variable thrust propulsion at the micronewton level on the Tianqin-1 satellite, which was sent into space on December 20, 2019. The thrust of one micronewton is equivalent to the weight of a 1-cm-long hair. And the accuracy of the micro propulsion system of the Tianqin-1 satellite could reach 0.1 micronewtons, according to the experts.