China launched the Queqiao-2 satellite for lunar exploration
Queqiao-2 satellite: As part of the China Lunar Exploration Programme, China launched the Queqiao-2 satellite weighing 1.2 metric tons, which was carried by a Long March 8 rocket from the southern island province of Hainan. By 2040, Queqiao-2 will be part of a constellation of relay satellites serving as a communications bridge for crewed lunar missions and exploration on other planets like Mars and Venus providing communications, navigation, and remote sensing support for China’s planned research station at the Moon’s south pole in 2040s.
Queqiao-2 satellite
Queqiao-2 satellite
The Queqiao-2 relay satellite is a crucial component of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, specifically designed to support communication and radio astronomy objectives in the fourth phase of the mission. Launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on March 20, 2024, Queqiao-2 is placed in an elliptical frozen orbit around the Moon, with a primary focus on facilitating communications at the lunar south pole.
Objective and Purpose:
- Communication Relay: Queqiao-2 serves as a vital link for transmitting communications between the lunar surface and Earth, particularly supporting missions and activities at the Moon’s south pole. This enables real-time data transmission, command execution, and scientific exploration.
- Radio Astronomy: The satellite is equipped with instruments to conduct radio astronomy observations, contributing to our understanding of the lunar environment, cosmic phenomena, and the broader universe.
Specifications:
- Mission Duration: Planned for 8-10 years.
- Spacecraft Properties:
- Bus: Utilizes the CAST-2000 platform.
- Manufacturer: Developed by DFH Satellite Company LTD.
- Dry Mass: Approximately 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lb).
- Dimensions: Features a 4.2-meter (14 ft) diameter antenna.
- Power: Capable of generating 1350W of power.
- Orbital Parameters:
- Reference System: Selenocentric frozen orbit.
- Periselene Altitude: 16,000 km (9,900 mi).
- Aposelene Altitude: 200 km (120 mi).
- Inclination: Orbital inclination of 62.4°.
- Period: Orbital period of 24 hours.
- Lunar Orbiter:
- Orbital Insertion: Achieved in 2024.
- Instruments:
- Grid-based Energetic Neutral Atom Imager (GENA): Used for imaging energetic neutral atoms.
- Extreme Ultraviolet Camera (EUC): A camera designed to capture extreme ultraviolet light.
- Lunar Orbit VLBI Experiment (LOVEX): Conducts Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations from lunar orbit.
What is the name of the satellite launched by China for lunar exploration?
Queqiao-2 satellite is the name of the satellite launched by China for lunar exploration
