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China launches signal relay satellite for mission to moon's hidden side
20 March 2024 14:57
China on March 20 launched a satellite that will act as a communications bridge between ground operations on Earth and an upcoming mission on the far side of the moon, marking a new phase in the country's long-term lunar exploration programme.
A Long March 8 rocket carrying the 1.2-metric ton Queqiao-2, named after a mythological bridge made of magpies, and two miniature satellites, Tiandu-1 and -2, blasted off from the southern island province of Hainan, Reuters reports citing state media.
The moon's near side always faces Earth. That means data transfers from the far side are impossible as there is no direct line of sight.
Queqiao-2 will orbit the moon and relay signals to and from the Chang'e-6 mission, expected to be launched in May. The robotic Chang'e-6 mission will seek to retrieve samples from an ancient basin, acquiring lunar material from the moon's hidden side for the first time.
Queqiao-2 will also be used as a relay platform for the Chang'e-7 lunar mission in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission in 2028.
By 2040, Queqiao-2 will be part of a constellation of relay satellites serving as a communications bridge for crewed lunar missions and exploration on other planets like Mars and Venus.
The Tiandu-1 and -2 miniature satellites will conduct tests for the construction of a constellation.
The constellation will also provide communications, navigation and remote sensing support for China's research station planned for the moon's south pole.
Queqiao-2 will join half a dozen orbiters deployed by other countries, including the United States, India and Japan.
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