China’s Relay Satellite, Queqiao-2, has successfully entered lunar orbit, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program. Launched on March 20th atop a Long March-8 Y3 carrier rocket, Queqiao-2 completed a perilune braking maneuver on March 24th, positioning itself 440 km from the lunar surface. This satellite will serve as a crucial communications relay for missions on the far side of the Moon, including Chang’e-4, Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8.

The perilune braking maneuver is essential for establishing a lunar orbit, allowing the spacecraft to be captured by the Moon’s gravity. Along with Queqiao-2, two experimental satellites, Tiandu-1 and -2, also performed this maneuver successfully and entered lunar orbit. These satellites will conduct communication and navigation tests, including laser ranging with the Moon and microwave ranging between satellites.

Queqiao-2 will be positioned in a 24-hour elliptical orbit around the Moon, with its closest point at 200 km and its farthest point at 100,000 km. This orbit will provide direct communication with ground stations on Earth and the far side of the Moon. The satellite is equipped with advanced scientific instruments, including extreme ultraviolet cameras and lunar orbit Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) test subsystems.

According to CCTV, the CNSA selected Queqiao-2’s orbit for its strategic location in the Moon’s maria region, known as the Sea of Abundance. This area holds historical significance for China’s lunar exploration project, making it an ideal choice for the satellite’s operations. Queqiao-2 will support upcoming missions like Chang’e-6, as well as pave the way for future lunar exploration and resource scouting.

China’s Lunar Exploration Program aims to rival NASA’s Artemis Program, which is set to send astronauts on a circumlunar flight next year. NASA’s program includes plans for a sustained program of lunar exploration and development, with the deployment of the Lunar Gateway and Artemis Base Camp. In collaboration with international partners, these initiatives will pave the way for human exploration and research on the Moon.

As China’s Relay Satellite settles into lunar orbit, it heralds a new era of lunar exploration and cooperation among nations. With its advanced capabilities and strategic positioning, Queqiao-2 is poised to play a crucial role in China’s ambitious plans for the Moon, setting the stage for further discoveries and advancements in space exploration.