China’s ambitious lunar strategy took a leap forward in the early hours of March 20th with the third successful launch of the CZ-8 from Wenchang site. The highlight of this mission was the successful deployment of the Queqiao-2 relay probe to the Moon.
Successful Mission of Queqiao-2
The Queqiao-2 relay probe, a key component of China’s ongoing lunar strategy, has reached its destination. Had the mission not been successful, it would have resulted in a delay for the anticipated Chang’e 6 mission. This next-generation satellite is already making headway, deploying its sizable 4.2-meter diameter antenna.
As a relay satellite, Queqiao-2 boasts a highly inclined and elliptical trajectory. This feature enables it to maintain a constant line of sight with both the lunar southern hemisphere and our home planet. Its main task is to facilitate signal transmission between Earth and the Chinese lunar surface missions.
Queqiao-2: An Upgrade from its Predecessor
China had first made strides in lunar exploration back in 2018 with the launch of Queqiao-1. The Queqiao-2 however, is an artefact of innovation, weighing in at approximately 1.2 tons, making it nearly triple the weight of its predecessor. This satellite contains more advanced internal equipment, electronic shielding, and a greater fuel reserve. It also carries three scientific instruments: a UV camera, a neutron detector, and VLBI.
Future Lunar Exploration Plans
China’s lunar ambitions don’t stop with Queqiao-2. This relay satellite is expected to function until the end of the present decade. The ultimate goal is to replace it with a small constellation of lunar satellites, tasked with handling communications, relative positioning, time referencing, and navigation aid.
To test some of these functions, two small satellites, Tiandu 1 and 2, were also launched along with Queqiao-2. A launch attempt on March 14 didn’t go as planned, leaving two other small satellites, DRO-A and DRO-B, in a smaller orbit than intended. They were initially meant to venture to the Moon and test formation flying and relative navigation.
With the success of the Queqiao-2, China has strengthened its standing in the race for lunar exploration. Beyond the Chang’e 6, 7, and 8 missions, the country has its eyes set on manned missions to the lunar surface.
