Beijing: China’s Queqiao-2 relay satellite has reached its planned orbit around the moon after a trip lasting about 112 hours, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) reported on Monday.
The satellite, which is designed to support communications from the far side of the moon, was orbiting at a height of around 440 kilometres following a braking manoeuvre, the Chinese space agency said. Queqiao-2 was launched from the spaceport on the southern Chinese island of Hainan on Wednesday.
The satellite, whose name means bridge of magpies according to a Chinese folk legend, is intended to ensure communication for the upcoming Chang’e-6 lunar mission.
Chang’e-6, which is set to begin in May, will collect soil samples on the far side of the moon. Without Queqiao-2, mission control on earth would be unable to send signals to its landing site in the moon’s south. (DPA)
