China is set to develop a satellite constellation known as Queqiao, or Magpie Bridge, which will provide telecommunications, navigation, and remote sensing services to support deep space exploration.
The Long March 2D rocket successfully launched the Daogang-36 satellite into space on December 15, 2022. (Illustrative photo: THX/TTXVN)
This information was shared by senior space expert Wu Yanhua, the head of the deep space exploration project, at the first International Deep Space Exploration Conference held in Hefei, the capital of Anhui province in Eastern China.
According to Mr. Wu Yanhua, a test satellite constellation is expected to be developed by China around 2030 to support the fourth phase of the lunar exploration program and the establishment of an international lunar research station. Following this, a standard satellite constellation is planned for around 2040 to conduct regional navigation missions and provide crewed lunar exploration services as well as deep space exploration missions for other planets such as Mars and Venus.
China anticipates expanding this satellite constellation around 2050 to offer exploration services for Mars, Venus, the giant planets, and the outer regions of the Solar System.
According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the country plans to launch the relay satellite Queqiao-2, or Magpie Bridge-2, in 2024 to facilitate communication between the dark side of the Moon and Earth. This satellite will serve as a foundational relay for phase 4 of the lunar exploration program, providing communication services for the Chang’e (Chang’e 4, Chang’e 6, Chang’e 7, and Chang’e 8) missions.
