China's space craft for dark matter probe is undergoing calibrations to send back more accurate and higher quality data. 

The Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) Satellite will receive more advanced payloads that will make the search for the elusive dark matter easier. 

"After calibration, the detectors will collect more useful data and screen out signal noises that will save us a lot of time," said Zang Jingjing, designer of DAMPE's advanced data process sub-system. 

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Dark matter is thought to make up about 80 percent of the universe's mass, but not one particle has been found as it does not emit energy. However, many scientists are positive of its existence because of gravitational discrepancies observed in space.

According to Chang Jin, DAMPE's chief scientist, the latest payload has four major parts: a plastic scintillator array detector, a silicon array detector, a BGO calorimeter, and a neutron detector. These further equip  DAMPE with 76,000 minor detectors. 

DAMPE's chief designer Wu Jian explained that although the payload was designed with the highest accuracy, the detectors' performance will change when it collides with cosmic rays, so constant adjustment is needed. 

"Now the payload is perfect, but it's not enough. If the calibration goes well, the signs we seek will pop out from the data," Chang said. 

Since its launch on December 17 last year, DAMPE has collected more than 100 million high-energy particles such as protons, alpha and cosmic ray particles, and nuclides. The 20 GB data it sends daily to ground-based stations are then analyzed by a special computer. 

DAMPE is the world's most accurate and sensitive dark matter detector in orbit. Initial findings will be published on the second half of the year. 

Tagsdark matter, Dark Matter Particle Explorer, China space exploration industry