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South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Did China's Tiandu-1 satellite beat US competitors with critical Earth-moon orbit?
China's Tiandu-1 satellite has entered a critical fuel-efficient orbit that synchronises with the motion of the Earth and moon, but claims that it is the first spacecraft to achieve the feat have been challenged by US and Canadian experts. The 3:1 resonant orbit – in which Tiandu-1 completes three loops of the Earth for every circuit made by the moon – is seen as a breakthrough for lunar infrastructure, including a BeiDou-like guidance system that will be needed for interplanetary exploration. Developer Deep Space Exploration Laboratory said that 'the Tiandu-1 navigation test satellite successfully carried out a key manoeuvre at perigee [the point in orbit when it is closest to Earth] on May 22 and precisely transitioned into a 3:1 Earth-moon resonant orbit'. A Deep Space Exploration Laboratory schematic of the Tiandu-1 satellite taking part in a laser ranging experiment in April, before it was moved into the 3:1 resonance orbit. Credit: DSEL 'This made Tiandu-1 the first spacecraft to enter a round-trip 3:1 Earth-moon resonant trajectory,' according to a statement on the website of the laboratory based in Hefei, Anhui province in central China. 'Its flight data will provide support for advancing technologies such as orbit maintenance, control, and autonomous navigation in complex gravitational environments.' Experts in the US and Canada immediately challenged the claim, pointing to Nasa's 15-year-old Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) probe that entered a near-identical orbit in 2011, where it continues to operate. Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer and space historian, and Canada-based amateur stargazer Scott Tilley both said it was debatable whether Tiandu-1 could lay claim to the title, with the IBEX craft's achievement of near 3:1 resonance. 'Yes, indeed Tiandu-1 has entered a 3:1 resonance orbit. Whether it's the first is debatable…IBEX launched in 2008 uses a similar orbit,' Tilley said.
Sustainability Times
05-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
China Hits the Moon With a Laser: First Daylight Lunar Reflection in History Stuns Scientists and Ignites Global Space Race
IN A NUTSHELL 🌕 China's Space Milestone: Successfully fired a precision laser across over 80,000 miles to bounce off a satellite orbiting the Moon during daylight. Successfully fired a precision laser across over 80,000 miles to bounce off a satellite orbiting the Moon during daylight. 🔭 Satellite Laser Ranging: Achieved remarkable precision akin to hitting a single hair from 6.2 miles away, expanding the limits of existing technology. Achieved remarkable precision akin to hitting a single hair from 6.2 miles away, expanding the limits of existing technology. 🚀 Lunar Ambitions: Part of China's plan to establish a permanent lunar presence by 2035, with a crewed landing targeted by 2030. Part of China's plan to establish a permanent lunar presence by 2035, with a crewed landing targeted by 2030. 🌌 Future Challenges and Opportunities: Raises questions about international cooperation, competition, and the management of increasing space traffic. China's recent achievement in space exploration marks a groundbreaking milestone in laser technology. The nation successfully fired a precision laser across over 80,000 miles of space to bounce it off a satellite orbiting the Moon during daylight. This feat showcases China's relentless pursuit of technological advancement and strengthens its position in the global space race. The experiment, conducted by the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), plays a crucial role in China's ambitious plans to establish a permanent lunar presence by 2035. This article delves into the intricate details of this remarkable achievement and its implications for future space missions. Precision and Mastery: The Art of Satellite Laser Ranging Satellite laser ranging is considered the gold standard for determining satellite orbits with pinpoint accuracy. The process involves firing nanosecond pulses from ground stations, which bounce off retroreflectors on spacecraft and return to reveal the distance down to centimeters. While this technique is routine for low-Earth satellites, the challenge multiplies when dealing with the Earth-Moon distance, especially under daylight conditions. China's recent success in overcoming solar background noise to achieve accurate measurements during daylight expands the limits of this technology significantly. This remarkable precision is likened to 'aiming at a sub-millimeter target—essentially a single hair—from over 6.2 miles away.' By achieving such accuracy, China can now gather orbital data whenever the Tiandu-1 satellite passes within view, enhancing the frequency and reliability of measurements. This development is crucial for the planned Queqiao constellation, which aims to provide continuous communications and navigation support for various lunar missions. '8,000 Miles of Hacker-Proof Security': China's quantum satellite forges this unprecedented secure link to South Africa, redefining global communications A Step Closer to China's Lunar Ambitions China's space endeavors are part of a more extensive plan to establish a permanent foothold on the Moon. The Tiandu-1 satellite, along with Tiandu-2 and the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, form the backbone of China's lunar exploration infrastructure. These satellites have already delivered detailed images of the lunar surface and demonstrated successful cross-link communications, paving the way for more ambitious missions. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has set an ambitious timeline, targeting a crewed lunar landing by 2030. The construction of the International Lunar Research Station, a collaborative effort with Russia, is expected to begin by 2035. Laser ranging technology will play a pivotal role in various aspects of lunar exploration, including approach-and-landing guidance and the coordination of rover fleets exploring the Moon's surface. The US on High Alert: China's Largest Nuclear Reactor Passes Final Test as Global Power Tensions Explode Expanding the Horizons of Earth-Moon Links With the success of the daylight laser ranging experiment, DSEL plans to extend daytime trials to longer ranges and higher repetition rates. This advancement will integrate more seamlessly into routine deep-space operations, enhancing the reliability of Earth-Moon links. The experiment follows the successful 2024 launch of Chang'e-6, which returned soil samples from the Moon's far side, underscoring the importance of robust communication and navigation systems in space exploration. Beyond laser technology, China is exploring other innovative solutions to support its lunar ambitions. The CNSA anticipates the need for a comprehensive space-traffic management system to handle the estimated 100,000 satellites in low Earth orbit by the decade's end. In collaboration with Russia, China is also evaluating nuclear reactors and alternative power sources for the International Lunar Research Station under the Chang'e-8 mission. 'China's Secret Spaceplane Exposed': Austrian Amateur Snaps Stunning Image as Mysterious Craft Soars Over Europe Future Prospects: Challenges and Opportunities China's achievements in laser technology and lunar exploration present both challenges and opportunities. The nation's advancements in space technology could spur increased competition among space-faring nations, potentially leading to new collaborations and innovations. However, the growing number of satellites in orbit also raises concerns about space traffic management and the potential for collisions. As China continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the implications for international cooperation and competition remain to be seen. How will other nations respond to China's rapid advancements in space technology? Will these achievements lead to new opportunities for collaboration, or will they intensify the global space race? The future of space exploration is undoubtedly intriguing, with many questions yet to be answered. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (29)
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's daytime laser ranging breakthrough takes moon race to new heights
China's Tiandu-1 satellite has taken part in a laser ranging experiment in Earth-moon space under strong daylight conditions, which the satellite's developer says is the first test of its kind. Advertisement China's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) ran a laser ranging experiment on April 26-27 from the Earth to the Tiandu-1 experimental satellite, which has been orbiting the moon since its launch in March last year, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Satellite laser ranging measures the distance to orbiting satellites, which involves a laser at an observatory sending pulses of light to the satellite which then bounce back, allowing for distance to be calculated. While satellite laser ranging tracks Earth-orbiting satellites during the day, conducting these experiments in Earth-moon space has previously been limited to nighttime, as strong daylight can interfere with the laser signal and cause signals to be lost in background noise. This allows limited observation windows and data collection for satellites in Earth-moon and lunar orbit, which are vital to China's push for expanding its presence on the moon. The test, which DSEL told state media was the world's first Earth-moon laser ranging test under strong daylight conditions, expands the limits of the technology and will help with carrying out future deep space missions. Advertisement The Tiandu-1 satellite was launched into space alongside the Tiandu-2 and Queqiao-2 relay satellites in March last year. The mission was intended to help verify new technologies in the construction of an Earth-moon communication and navigation system.
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's daytime laser ranging breakthrough takes moon race to new height
China's Tiandu-1 satellite has taken part in a laser ranging experiment in Earth-moon space under strong daylight conditions, which the satellite's developer says is the first test of its kind. Advertisement China's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) ran a laser ranging experiment on April 26-27 from the Earth to the Tiandu-1 experimental satellite, which has been orbiting the moon since its launch in March last year, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Satellite laser ranging measures the distance to orbiting satellites, which involves a laser at an observatory sending pulses of light to the satellite which then bounce back, allowing for distance to be calculated. While satellite laser ranging tracks Earth-orbiting satellites during the day, conducting these experiments in Earth-moon space has previously been limited to nighttime, as strong daylight can interfere with the laser signal and cause signals to be lost in background noise. This allows limited observation windows and data collection for satellites in Earth-moon and lunar orbit, which are vital to China's push for expanding its presence on the moon. The test, which DSEL told state media was the world's first Earth-moon laser ranging test under strong daylight conditions, expands the limits of the technology and will help with carrying out future deep space missions. Advertisement The Tiandu-1 satellite was launched into space alongside the Tiandu-2 and Queqiao-2 relay satellites in March last year. The mission was intended to help verify new technologies in the construction of an Earth-moon communication and navigation system.
