China Launch of Relay Satellite Queqiao-2 for Lunar Probe Mission Successful
China's successful launch of the Queqiao-2 relay satellite marks a significant step forward for its lunar probe mission.
According to reports from state media, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) declared the launch of a crucial signal relay satellite as a "complete success" on Friday. This satellite, named Queqiao-2 after a mythological magpie bridge, along with two miniature satellites named Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, was launched on March 20. Queqiao-2's primary purpose is to serve as a communication link between ground operations on Earth and upcoming lunar probe missions on the far side of the moon until at least 2030.
Since the moon's near side constantly faces Earth, direct data transfers from the far side are impossible without a relay satellite. Queqiao-2 fulfils this role by orbiting the moon and relaying signals to and from future missions. Xiong Liang, a researcher and developer of Queqiao-2, described it as the "main switch" for the fourth phase of lunar missions. He emphasized that all communications can begin only when this switch is activated.
Queqiao-2 will support the Chang'e-6 mission, scheduled for launch in May, which aims to retrieve samples from an ancient basin on the moon's hidden side. Additionally, it will facilitate relay communication for the Chang'e-7 mission in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission in 2028.
The CNSA stated that Queqiao-2's functions and performance have met mission requirements. It will provide relay communication services for China's lunar exploration projects and future missions for both China and other countries. The satellite successfully entered its targeted elliptical orbit on April 2 after undergoing mid-course corrections, near-moon braking, and orbital manoeuvres.
Queqiao-2 has already established communication with the Chang'e 4 spacecraft, which made history as the first to perform a soft landing on the moon's far side. It also communicated with the Chang'e-6 probe while it was still on the ground earlier this month.
The success of the Queqiao-2 launch contrasts with the recent failure of another lunar spacecraft, the DRO-A/B satellites, intended for the moon's distant retrograde orbit. However, China has not provided any updates on whether the satellites can be retrieved.
| Follow the Hindeez on Google News |  |
| Follow the Hindeez channel on WhatsApp |  |
We hate spam as much as you do
© Hindeez 2024, All Rights Reserved
