Queqiao 2 is designed to relay signals from Earth to instruments on the far side of the moon as part of the Chang'e 6 mission, scheduled to launch in May to collect samples and bring them back to Earth. .
However, the complexities and weak signals associated with Queqiao 2's lunar orbit require extensive testing.
The two Tiandu satellites will be used to test and validate the Queqiao constellation design for lunar communications, navigation and remote sensing, providing valuable insights and fundamental data for network development, the report said.
Chen Xiao, commander-in-chief of the Tiandu project, said the satellites will work together to test new technology and ensure that messages are sent and received reliably and distances are accurately measured.
Once in lunar orbit, the satellite will perform a near-lunar braking operation and enter the moon's elliptical orbit, Xinhua quoted Chen as saying.
“In its orbit, the two satellites will conduct high-precision lunar orbit measurements and other technology verifications using intersatellite microwave ranging and satellite-to-moon laser ranging,” Chen said. he said.
China and the United States are aiming for the same area of the moon. Can they work together?
China and the United States are aiming for the same area of the moon. Can they work together?
The satellite's development is being led by the Institute of Deep Space Exploration, a collaboration established in 2022 between the China National Space Administration in Anhui province and the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei.
The laboratory's broad role is to study key engineering tasks related to the nation's deep space exploration missions.
Tiandu Satellite is named after the main peak of the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui Province.
Tiandu 1 weighs 61 kg (134 lb) and carries, among other payloads, a Ka-band microwave communications system. Tiandu 2 weighs 15kg and has a navigation and communications payload.
