CHASE (Chinese Hα Solar Explorer): China’s First Solar Exploration Satellite

Chinese Hα Solar Explorer, a groundbreaking venture in solar observation, represents a significant advancement in space technology. In tribute to the Chinese sun goddess “Xihe” and formally dubbed “CHASE,” this 550-kg apparatus is anticipated to remain operational until at least 2026, thanks to its advanced design. Equipped with sophisticated instruments, CHASE is adept in capturing Hα spectral lines, providing unprecedented insights into solar activities and thermodynamics through its exceptional Hα imaging spectrometer. This capability is bolstered by its dual-ultra platform, ensuring ultra-high pointing accuracy and stability. Since its deployment in August 2022, CHASE has conducted a series of solar studies, unearthing pivotal findings regarding solar atmospheric dynamics, the evolution of solar filaments, and solar flares. Notable discoveries include the first-ever mapping of silicon (Si) spectral line distribution and the revelation of solar atmospheric rotational variations.