The China National Space Agency (CNSA) has recently announced the successful launch of its key signaling satellite, Queqiao-2, along with two smaller satellites, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2. Named after the mythical bridge, Queqiao-2 will serve as a communications bridge for future lunar missions until at least 2030. This satellite will allow for communication with Earth and future missions on the far side of the Moon, which was previously impossible due to the lack of a direct line of sight.
Xiong Liang, the developer of the satellite, described Queqiao-2 as a “master switch” for the fourth phase of lunar missions. It will orbit the Earth satellite and transmit signals to the Chang’e-6 mission, scheduled to launch in May to collect samples from the dark side of the Moon. Queqiao-2 will also play a crucial role in the Chang’e-7 mission in 2026 and Chang’e-8 mission in 2028.
The successful launch marks a significant advancement in China’s lunar exploration program, as it will enable communication and data transmission from the far side of the Moon for the first time. The CNSA’s commitment to furthering space exploration and lunar missions showcases China’s expertise and capabilities in the field. With
