On April 12th, according to the "China's Space Exploration" public account, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite has completed in-orbit intercommunication testing.
Following evaluations, both the relay satellite platform and payload are functioning normally, meeting all mission requirements in terms of functionality and performance. It can provide relay communication services for the fourth phase of lunar exploration projects and subsequent domestic and international lunar exploration missions. The mission is deemed a complete success.
Since its launch on March 20th, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite has undergone mid-course corrections, lunar orbit insertion, and lunar orbit maneuvers, ultimately entering a 24-hour period elliptical lunar orbit mission orbit as planned on April 2nd.
On April 6th, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite successfully separated from the carrier rocket as it embarks on its mission to support the exploration on the far side of the moon by the Chang'e-4 probe.
From April 8th to 9th, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite established successful communication tests with the Chang'e-6 probe (on ground).
Previously, the Tianhe-1 and Tianhe-2 communication technology test satellites, which were launched together, entered the lunar orbit on March 29th. On April 3rd, they successfully separated, commencing a series of communication technology verifications.
On April 8, 2024, Tianhe-2 captured imagery of the Moon in the far infrared spectrum (8-14 micrometers wavelength), with Earth visible in the background as a smaller celestial body.
The Queqiao-2 relay satellite and the Tianhe experimental satellite employ a lunar halo orbit as their mission orbit. This not only enhances the communication speed of Queqiao-2 but also significantly improves its communication coverage over the lunar South Pole region.
Moreover, this orbit helps conserve satellite fuel, allowing Queqiao-2 to reside in this orbit for extended periods.
The Queqiao-2 relay satellite plays a crucial role in China's lunar exploration efforts. It will provide relay communication services for the Chang'e-4 mission and the upcoming Chang'e-6 mission, as well as opportunistically engage in relevant scientific exploration endeavors.
