Chinese space telescope team hopes to join race to find Earth-like planets – and maybe signs of life

a73a938d-e041-4940-972b-7966aa4b4277_36353a48

Researchers in China have completed the concept study for a 6-metre (20-foot) space telescope to examine the atmosphere of nearby Earth-like planets and search for signs of life with unprecedented precision.

If selected to enter the design phase, the HABItable Terrestrial planetary ATmospheric Surveyor – or Habitats – will join the global race to find a twin of planet Earth.