Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: CNSA

The Moon has gained a new companion – China’s lunar relay satellite, the Queqiao-2.

Following roughly 112 flight hours after launch, the spacecraft performed a near-Moon braking procedure, placing it in circumlunar orbit, reported the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Monday.

Upcoming is for the relay craft to adjust its altitude and inclination and enter its target elliptical orbit around the Moon.

Pre-launch photo of lunar relay satellite.
Image credit: CCTV/CNSA/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Test satellites

Meanwhile, two communication and navigation technology test satellites, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, also completed near-moon braking on the same day and entered their circumlunar orbits.

Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 subsatellites are to trial-run lunar communications technology.
Image credit: DSEL

The separation of the two satellites will be carried out as planned, the CNSA said.

Technicians prepare lunar relay satellite for launch.
Image credit: CCTV/CNSA/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Communication services

Queqiao-2, which translates to “magpie bridge 2,” was launched on March 20 to provide Earth-Moon communication services, a key duty given the upcoming launch, likely in May, of China’s Change’-6 lunar lander.

Image credit: CGTN

That probe is slated to sit down softly on the farside of the Moon, collect specimens, then launch that treasure trove of bits and pieces from the lunar south pole back to the Earth.

Queqiao-2 is designed to serve as a relay platform for the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program, providing communications services for the already landed Chang’e-4 lander/rover on the farside, along with the Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8 Moon missions.

Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab

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