China sends relay satellite for lunar probes into space

China launches relay satellite to be used in lunar exploration missions

China sent a transmission satellite into space to ensure communication between exploration vehicles and the Earth during moon missions.

The “Chuechiao-2” (Magpie Bridge-2) satellite was launched from the Vinchang Space Center on Hainan Island with the Long March-8 carrier rocket.

The satellite is expected to separate from the rocket after a short flight and settle in its planned location in lunar orbit within a few days.

The satellite, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), was built on the skeleton of the CAST2000 satellite platform.

The satellite, which weighs approximately 1.2 tons, has two parabolic antennas with diameters of 4.2 and 0.6 meters; one is used for communication with exploration vehicles on the moon, and the other for data transfer to the Earth.

Lunar exploration missions

The first Chuechiao satellite was sent into space in 2018 for the Chang’i-4 mission, which made China’s first soft landing on the far side of the moon.

The newly launched satellite is primarily intended to provide communication with the “Chang’i 6” rover, which is planned to be sent this year to collect rock and soil samples from the dark side of the moon. The satellite will later be used in other reconnaissance missions.

China plans to continue its exploration activities on the moon with new missions in the coming years. After “Chang’i 6”, “Chang’i 7” will be launched in 2026 to explore the moon’s south pole. “Chang’i 7″ will be launched in 2027 to verify natural resource capacity and availability and conduct tests for the construction of a space base on the moon’s surface. Chang’i 8” missions are planned.

The country aims to organize human expeditions to the moon in the 2030s and establish an International Lunar Research Base to lay the groundwork for further exploration activities.

Source: AA

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