hina launches relay satellite to explore far side of moon

China launches relay satellite to explore far side of moon

Space science

News:

1. China has launched a relay satellite named Queqiao or “Magpie Bridge” to explore the far side of the moon.

Important Facts:

2. The satellite will facilitate communication between controllers on earth and the Chang’e 4 mission.
3. Far side or the dark side faces away from the earth and is comparatively unknown.
4. Queqiao is expected to arrive shortly at the Earth-moon Lagrange point 2. It is  a gravitationally stable spot located 64,000 km beyond the far side of the moon.
5. Building multiple adjustments to its orbit will pose a challenges to China satellite program..
6.  China Achievements:

• China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003,the third country to do so after Russia and the U.S.
• Previously landed  Jade Rabbit rover on the moon.

7. Upcoming Missions:

• Land its Chang’e 5 probe on moon in 2019
• launch of the 20-ton core module in still orbiting Tiangong 2 station.
• Mars rover planned for mid 2020s.