The Chinese lunar test satellites Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 are experimenting with lunar communication and navigation technology. Recently, they shared bizarre images of the lunar surface with Earth in the background.
A pair of small test satellites have begun trials related to future lunar communication and navigation services for China’s ambitions to return to the Moon.
Bizarre image of the Moon. (Photo: CNSA/DSEL).
The Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites were launched to the Moon alongside the Queqiao-2 lunar relay satellite on a Long March 8 rocket on March 19. The latter spacecraft will support a major mission – Chang’e 6, which could initiate as early as next month.
The China Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) stated on April 13 that the Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites have conducted tests on their ability to transmit and route data reliably between Earth and the lunar surface.
One of these satellites also transmitted an infrared image showing the far side of the Moon, revealing numerous craters, including an image of a distant planet, Earth.
The Tiandu satellite duo entered lunar orbit on April 3 and are currently flying approximately 200 km apart. Tiandu-1 weighs 61 kg and is equipped with a dual-band Ka frequency communication system, a laser reflector, and a space router. Tiandu-2 weighs 15 kg and carries communication and navigation equipment.
DSEL announced that the test satellites will conduct further experiments on navigation and communication technology on the Moon. The results will guide the design and construction of the planned International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and the Queqiao satellite constellation for communication, navigation, and remote sensing on the Moon.
