China Launches Signal Relay Satellite ‘Queqiao-2’
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Friday that the launch of a crucial signal relay satellite named Queqiao-2 was a resounding success. This would serve as the communication bridge for its future lunar probe missions for years to come, state media reported.
The relay satellite Queqiao-2, was named after a mythological magpie bridge, along with two miniature satellites, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, was launched on March 20
Queqiao-2 is designated to function as a communication link between ground operations on Earth and upcoming lunar missions on the far side of the moon until at least 2030. Because the moon’s near side constantly faces Earth, direct data transmission from the far side is unfeasible.
Queqiao-2 researcher and developer Xiong Liang described the satellite as “The main switch” of the whole fourth phase of lunar missions, according to state television CCTV.
“Only when the main switch is flipped on, all the communications can kick off,” Xiong said.
Queqiao-2 will orbit the moon, facilitating communication with the Chang’e-6 mission, slated for launch in May.
The robotic Chang’e-6 probe will seek to retrieve samples from an ancient basin, acquiring lunar material from the moon’s hidden side for the first time.
Furthermore, Queqiao-2 will serve as a relay platform for the Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 lunar missions in 2026 and 2028, respectively.
The CNSA confirmed that Queqiao-2’s functions and performance align with mission requirements, ensuring it can deliver reliable relay communication services for China’s lunar exploration endeavours and future missions for both China and other nations.
After undergoing necessary orbital adjustments, Queqiao-2 entered its intended elliptical orbit on April 2, as reported by the CNSA.
Notably, Queqiao-2 has successfully established communication links with Chang’e 4, the first spacecraft to execute a soft landing on the far side of the moon, and with the Chang’e-6 probe during its pre-launch phase this month.
The successful launch of Queqiao-2 follows the setback of the failed launch of another lunar spacecraft, the DRO-A/B satellites, which were intended for insertion into the moon’s distant retrograde orbit (DRO).
However, the status of these satellites remains undisclosed by Chinese authorities.
Reuters
