The laboratory of lunar and deep-space exploration technology is established in 2013, one of the laboratories that has its own professional characteristics and technical expertise in Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics of CAS (XIOPM). The staff composition is based on the core team who have participated in the Chinese lunar exploration project for a long time. There are about 20 staff members currently, including 9 senior researchers, in which there are 5 with senior professional titles.
The research of the Laboratory is focused in developing payload of Chinese Lunar exploration Mission and Mars exploration，research and development of the deep-space exploration technology and related photoelectric imaging technology，study and application of laser space communication technology.
Since the implementation of the first phase of Chinese lunar exploration project, we have undertaken and successfully completed multiple major tasks. The first whole moon image is received by the CCD camera of Chang'E1, whose resolution is better than 7m. While the 1.3m resolution image of Sinus Iridum is received by Chang'E2 CCD camera. These two achievements laid the foundation for chang'e-3 mission. In Chang'E3 mission, the panoramic camera and lunar optical astronomical telescope we developed completed the task successfully. The lunar lander and the panoramic camera onboard the Jade Rabbit took pictures of each other successfully, which marks the success of chang'e-3 mission. The first optical astronomical observation on the moon is achieved with lunar optical astronomical telescope developed, that is the pioneer in the history of lunar exploration in the world. In the development process of these spaceborne optical imaging instruments, we have accumulated rich experience in optical design, optical manufacture, instrument calibration, image processing, thermal control technology etc. As one of the core teams of lunar exploration project, our team won the national award for many times. At the same time, we participate in pre-research work related to deep-space exploration actively. In-depth research on new optical imaging technology and instrument development, we designed the optical system of X theodolite and developed the solar magnetic telescope. At present, we undertake a number of national natural science foundation of China projects. There are two programs funded by The Special Fund for Strategic Pilot Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences in progress, HXI (Solar Hard X-ray Imager) and FMG (Full-disc vector Magneto Graph).
In terms of talents cultivation, we have the ability to cultivate doctors for optical engineering and masters for optical engineering, electronic science and technology, information and communication engineering. Currently, there are 5 Ph.D candidates and 7 Master candidates in the lab.