Queqiao (Magpie Bridge)

 

  • Launched by China
  • It is a relay satellite to establish communication link between earth and its planned Chang’e-4 lunar probe (rover) that will explore the dark side of moon.
  • Queqiao (meaning bridge of magpies) satellite will serve as communications relay for future Chang’e-4 rover that will explore in South Pole-Aitken Basin in moon’s far side.
  • It will be situated in halo orbit i.e. Earth-moon Lagrange point L2, a gravitationally stable spot located 64,000 kilometers beyond lunar far side.
  • It will be world’s first communication satellite operating in this location.
  • It will help China to realise its goal of being first country to send probe to soft-land on and rove far side of the moon.

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