China's Queqiao-2 satellite to illuminate the moon's dark side

On Wednesday, the People's Republic of China advanced its long-term moon research programme by launching a satellite that will play a vital role in communication. As reported by state media in China, the satellite will act as a communication bridge, connecting operations on Earth with the planned mission to the far side of the Moon.

The satellite, named Queqiao-2, is tasked with orbiting the moon and transmitting signals to and from the Chang'e-6 mission, which is scheduled to launch in May. The Chang'e-6 mission, being a robotic mission, aims to collect samples from one of the Moon's oldest basins. If everything proceeds as planned, this will mark the first time material from the hidden side of the moon is collected.

But Queqiao-2's role doesn't end there. The satellite will also serve as a relay platform during subsequent moon missions - Chang'e-7 in 2026 and Chang'e-8 in 2028. Looking ahead, by 2040, Queqiao-2 is expected to become part of a constellation of relay satellites that will serve as a communication bridge for manned moon missions and exploration of other planets, such as Mars and Venus.

Alongside Queqiao-2, two miniature satellites were also launched - Tiandu-1 and -2. Their task will be tests aimed at establishing a constellation of satellites that will provide communication, navigation, and remote sensing support for the planned Chinese research station at the Moon's south pole.

Queqiao-2 is set to replace Queqiao-1, launched in 2018. The expected operational period of the new satellite is at least eight years. Queqiao-1, which weighs just a third of Queqiao-2 and has an expected lifespan of five years, was the first relay satellite deployed on the far side of the moon.

In 2019, the spacecraft Chang'e-4 became the first craft to make a soft landing on the far side of the moon - as reported by Chinese state media.