HELSINKI — China is preparing to launch a pair of lunar experimental technology satellites for a planned constellation of satellites to support lunar exploration.
The Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites are due to launch along with Queqiao-2, a lunar communications relay satellite to support upcoming Chang’e lunar far side and south pole missions.
Tiandu-1 and 2 will fly in formation in lunar orbit and conduct tests for navigation and communications technology verification. Tests will include satellite-to-ground laser ranging and inter-satellite microwave ranging methods.
The objective of the Tiandu satellites is to inform the design of China’s proposed Queqiao lunar navigation and communication constellation. That system would provide supporting services to lunar surface operations. Robotic and crewed operations on the moon, particularly at the lunar south pole—an area of intense interest—or lunar far side face line-of-sight communications limitations.
Lunar constellations including positioning, navigation and timing services are also planned by Lockheed Martin and the European Space Agency. These systems will face challenges including linking up with both ground stations on Earth and the lunar surface, integrating navigation and communications, maintaining inter-satellite links and a harsher solar radiation environment.
Early visions of China’s Queqiao constellation however envision a wider system of spacecraft stationed in circumlunar space and Earth-moon lagrange points, then expanding to form interplanetary staging stations.
The initial Tiandu tests are part of building infrastructure to support the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). That project aims to establish a lunar base in the 2030s and DSEL is active in attracting international partners. China is also aiming to put a pair of astronauts on the moon before 2030.
Establishing lunar infrastructure could provide the possibility for its…
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