A Long March-8 rocket, carrying the relay satellite Queqiao-2 for Earth-Moon communications blasts off at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China's Hainan Province, March 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China launched a new relay satellite on Wednesday to provide Earth-Moon communications services, a key step for its future lunar exploration missions such as retrieving samples from the far side of the moon.
A Long March-8 rocket, carrying the satellite dubbed Queqiao-2, or magpie bridge-2, soared into the sky at 8:31 a.m. from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.
After 24 minutes of flight, the satellite separated from the rocket, and entered the planned Earth-Moon transfer orbit with the perigee at 200 kilometers and the apogee at 420,000 kilometers. The satellite's solar panels and communications antennae were unfolded, according to the China National Space Administration.
Temples witness a transformation
Hexi District of Tianjin Sets up University for Senior Citizens
Various Folk Cultural Activities Held to Welcome Upcoming Lantern Festival in China
China Improves Service Capacity of Rural, Community
China stay perfect in Thomas & Uber Cup
Hanfu Lovers Gather in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou to Celebrate Coming of Spring
Ancient Town Boosts Local Cultural Tourism in Mangshi City, SW China
Farmers in Hangzhou Start Harvesting Longjing Tea Leaves Ahead of Qingming Festival
Charlotte Dawson puts on a VERY leggy display in a thigh
Tibetan New Year Marked with Joy and Hope
Chinese premier says China's market is always open to foreign businesses
Tibetan New Year Marked with Joy and Hope