China Launches Queqiao-2 Satellite to Support Future Lunar Missions

The satellite aims to facilitate communication for missions on the moon's far side, marking a significant advancement in China's lunar exploration efforts.

China successfully launches Queqiao-2, a satellite designed to facilitate communication for future lunar missions, including the anticipated Chang’e-6 mission aimed at collecting samples from the moon's far side.
Queqiao-2, launched from Hainan province, will support not only the Chang’e-6 mission but also future Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions, enhancing China's capabilities in lunar exploration.
The satellite's deployment marks a significant step in China's long-term lunar exploration program, aiming to establish a communication link for missions on the moon's far side and potentially aiding in building a lunar base.
Queqiao-2 is part of a broader plan to build a constellation of relay satellites by 2040, supporting crewed lunar missions and exploration on other planets like Mars and Venus.
Concerns arise over rocket debris from the launch, with neighboring countries, including the Philippines, warned about potential hazards.

South China Morning Post

Ars Technica