China plans to launch two experimental satellites into lunar orbit to establish communication between the Moon and Earth, according to Xinhua News Agency on February 4.
The Gravity-1 rocket carrying three remote sensing satellites launched off the coast of Shandong Province, China, on January 11, 2024. (Illustrative image: THX/TTXVN)
A press release from the China Deep Space Exploration Laboratory published on February 3 stated that the two identical satellites, weighing 61 kg and 15 kg respectively, will orbit the Moon.
During this process, the two satellites will assess the usability and efficiency of new technologies, such as high-reliability signal transmission and calibration technology.
Initially, the two satellites will be placed into a transfer orbit between the Moon and Earth, alongside the relay satellite Queqiao-2. They will then undergo a braking process near the lunar surface before entering an elliptical orbit around the Moon.
China plans to launch the Queqiao-2 relay satellite in the first half of 2024. This satellite will serve as a relay for Phase 4 of the country’s lunar exploration program.
The Queqiao-2 satellite will provide communication services for the Chang’e (Heng E) missions 4, 6, 7, and 8.
China is currently advancing its lunar exploration program and aims to send astronauts to the Moon before 2030.
