China's cutting-edge Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites have successfully completed Earth-Moon transmission and routing tests, marking a significant milestone in the nation's space exploration endeavors. According to Science and Technology Daily on Monday, these communication and navigation technology test satellites have demonstrated highly reliable transmission capabilities between Earth and the Moon.
Telemetric data from the tests revealed enhancements in the accuracy with which spacecraft can determine lunar orbits, paving the way for more precise lunar missions in the future. Launched on March 20 alongside the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 entered their target circumlunar orbits on March 29 and successfully separated on April 3.
On April 8, Tiandu-1 began flying in formation with Tiandu-2, maintaining a distance of approximately 200 kilometers. Both satellites have been operating smoothly, with stable communication, balanced energy use, and consistent orientation in space.
The successful collaboration between Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 lays a robust foundation for a series of upcoming communication technology test missions. Notably, Tiandu-2 has already captured and transmitted Earth-Moon group images, showcasing its advanced imaging capabilities.
All three satellites—Queqiao-2, Tiandu-1, and Tiandu-2—utilize highly elliptical lunar frozen orbits. These stable orbits ensure minimal trajectory deviation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of future space missions.
Reference(s):
China's Tiandu satellites take Earth-Moon transmissions, routing tests
cgtn.com
