Web Desk (May 21, 2018): The fast-growing China space power launched a relay satellite to communicate with the Earth from the far side of the Moon.
The Queqiao (“Magpie Bridge”) satellite was blasted into space from the southwestern Xichang launch centre in the pre-dawn hours, according to the China National Space Administration.
The satellite split from its carrier, a Long March-4C rocket, after 25 minutes and unfolded its solar panels and communication antennas, as it headed towards its destination, the CNSA said.
The satellite will relay communications between controllers on Earth and the far side of the moon, where the Chang’e-4 lunar probe — named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology — will be sent later this year.
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