Complete success! A photo review of the interstellar bridge "Queqiao-2"

The National Space Administration announced on April 12 that the Queqiao-2 relay satellite has completed the in-orbit communication test. After evaluation, the relay satellite platform and payload are working normally, and the functions and performance meet the mission requirements. It can provide relay communication services for the fourth phase of the lunar exploration project and subsequent lunar exploration missions at home and abroad. The mission has been a complete success.

The Long March 8 carrier rocket satellite bracket camera captured the image on March 20, 2024. The Queqiao-2 relay satellite was successfully separated from the carrier rocket, and the solar panels and umbrella antenna were smoothly deployed. The Tiandu test satellite is on the left side of the image.

(Image source: National Space Administration)

After the Queqiao-2 relay satellite was launched on March 20, it underwent mid-course correction, near-moon braking, and lunar orbit maneuvering, and entered a large elliptical mission orbit around the moon with a period of 24 hours as planned on April 2.

On April 6, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite successfully completed a communication test with the Chang'e-4 spacecraft, which was carrying out an exploration mission on the back of the moon.

From April 8 to 9, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite and the Chang'e-6 probe (ground status) conducted communication tests.

The Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 communication and navigation technology test satellites, which were launched simultaneously, entered the lunar mission orbit on March 29, and successfully separated from each other on April 3. A series of communication and navigation technology verifications are being carried out.

Tiandu-2 took images on April 8, 2024. Moon imaging data in the far-infrared spectrum with a wavelength of 8 to 14 microns. The smaller celestial body in the background is the Earth.

(Image source: National Space Administration)

Subsequently, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite will provide relay communication services for the Chang'e-4 and the Chang'e-6 missions to be launched as planned, and carry out corresponding scientific exploration when the opportunity arises.

Let us once again review the capabilities of my country’s “strongest aid” in lunar exploration - Queqiao-2!

Comprehensive sources: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV News, Chinese Society of Astronautics, etc.