China launches Queqiao-2 relay satellite for lunar exploration project
China News Service, Hainan Wenchang, March 20th: The fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration project has begun again, and a new “magpie bridge” will be built in space.
On March 20th, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite successfully entered space aboard the Long March-8 carrier rocket, kicking off its journey to the moon. Once in place, it will establish an earth-moon communication network spanning over 400,000 kilometers for ongoing and future missions, including Chang’e-4, Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8.
Ge Ping, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center of the China National Space Administration, expressed excitement over the successful launch, emphasizing the importance of the Queqiao-2 relay satellite in enhancing communication capabilities between the earth and moon.
The new “Magpie Bridge” serves as a critical link between the two celestial bodies, enabling data transmission and communication for probes operating on the far side of the moon. With the lunar revolution period matching its rotation period, direct communication between the moon’s far side and the earth is hindered without relay satellites like Queqiao-2.
Following its launch, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite will undergo further maneuvers to position itself into a mission orbit around the moon. It will then conduct communication tests with lunar detectors to ensure seamless relay services for future lunar exploration missions.
In addition to supporting China’s lunar exploration efforts, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite is open to partnerships with domestic and international space agencies. Ge Ping emphasized China’s commitment to collaboration in lunar exploration, inviting global participation in upcoming projects.
As the world enters a new phase of lunar exploration, China’s aerospace industry remains open to cooperation and mutual benefit with international partners. With a vision for a united approach to space exploration, China seeks to establish a new era of collaborative space initiatives.