China is preparing to launch a pair of experimental satellites to the moon. They are needed to support future missions that will operate on its far side and the South Pole.
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We are talking about spacecraft called Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2. They will be launched together with the Queqiao-2 relay satellite. The mass of Tiandu-1 is 61 kg, Tiandu-2 is 15 kg. They are equipped with the hardware necessary for communication, a space router, a laser retroreflector and other payloads.
It is assumed that the Tiandu spacecraft will become the first stone in the foundation of a larger satellite constellation that will provide navigation and communication for future Chinese missions — especially those that will work on the far side of the Moon and its South Pole.
As for Queqiao-2, it will be put into a “frozen” elliptical orbit around the Moon. The spacecraft will be used to provide communication with the Chang’e-4 spacecraft and the Yutu-2 lunar rover operating on the back of the moon, as well as to support future Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions.
China has not announced the exact launch date of Queqiao-2 and a pair of Tiandu satellites. It is expected to take place in February or March 2024. The ChangZheng-8 rocket will be used for the mission.
As for the Chang’e-6 mission, it is assumed that it will go to the Moon in May 2024. Its purpose is to deliver a sample of the substance from the South Pole of the moon to Earth.
You can learn more about how China is exploring the Moon from our article.
According to https://spacenews.com
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