China's Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory to be launched this October

(ECNS) -- The Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), is scheduled to be launched into space this October.

Between July 11 and 24, netizens are invited to suggest a name for the probe that reflects its function while also suggesting China's spirit of scientific exploration and cultural self-confidence.

The satellite, which is designed to have a four-year lifespan, will conduct observations on the solar magnetic field, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to support the forecasting of catastrophic space weather.

It will deploy three payloads, including a Full-disk Vector MagnetoGraph, a Hard X-ray Imager and a Lyman-alpha Solar Telescope.