China has launched its first X-ray space telescope, aimed at studying black holes, pulsars, and gamma ray bursts, state media reported. The launch is expected to bring "new breakthroughs in physics," according to the project's lead scientist.
The 2.5-tonne Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), named 'Insight,' was launched on Thursday morning from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert, Xinhua reported.
It was delivered into orbit, 550km (341 miles) above the Earth, by the Long March-4B rocket.
Chinese scientists say Insight will allow them to observe magnetic fields and the interiors of pulsars and better understand the evolution of black holes, AFP reported.