description Queqiao Overview
Queqiao is a Chinese communications relay satellite launched by the China National Space Administration in May 2018. It operates in a halo orbit around the Earth-Moon L2 Lagrange point, maintaining a direct line of sight to both the far side of the Moon and terrestrial ground stations. The satellite was specifically deployed to facilitate communications for the Chang'e 4 mission, which became the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the lunar far side.
help Queqiao FAQ
Why was Queqiao needed for the Chang'e 4 mission?
The Moon blocks direct radio contact between Earth and a spacecraft on its far side. Queqiao relayed signals between Chinese ground stations and the Chang'e 4 lander and Yutu-2 rover.
Where was the Queqiao relay satellite placed?
Queqiao operated in a halo orbit around the Earth-Moon L2 region beyond the Moon. From that location, it could maintain visibility of both Earth and the lunar far side.
When was Queqiao launched, and what launched it?
China launched Queqiao in May 2018 aboard a Long March 4C rocket. It was put in position before Chang'e 4 reached the Moon in early 2019.
Is Queqiao the same spacecraft as Queqiao-2?
No, the original Queqiao supported Chang'e 4, while Queqiao-2 is a newer relay satellite for later Chinese lunar missions. Queqiao-2 was launched in 2024 as China expanded communications infrastructure around the Moon.
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