Stolen America IP and technology has helped China to now challenge the U.S. in all ways.
Chinese scientists have unveiled ambitious plans to develop a comprehensive communication and navigation network between Earth and the moon. This infrastructure aims to support China’s lunar exploration goals and enhance the safety and efficiency of space travel. The proposed system includes a satellite constellation and ground stations, providing real-time communication, navigation, and monitoring services for lunar missions.
Researchers from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering have outlined a roadmap to establish an information superhighway between Earth and the moon. This network would consist of 30 satellites and three lunar ground stations, enabling real-time communication and navigation for up to 20 simultaneous users. Yang Mengfei, chief designer of China’s Chang’e-5 mission, emphasized the strategic importance of this project, stating that cislunar space is a new frontier for human activities and is set to expand rapidly over the next decade.
🚀BREAKING: China proposes an information superhighway linking Earth and the Moon.#China #Moon pic.twitter.com/p3qsQK9hoE
— ARK NEWS (@ReporterARK) July 21, 2024
The development of the cislunar infrastructure is planned in three stages. The initial stage focuses on supporting robotic and crewed moon missions with a pair of satellites in elliptical lunar orbits and a control station on the lunar surface. The expansion stage will see 10 satellites orbiting the moon, Earth, and specific locations known as Earth-moon Lagrange points, improving data transmission rates and navigation accuracy. The final stage integrates a comprehensive network of 30 satellites and three lunar ground stations, achieving data transmission rates of 10 gigabytes per second and enhanced navigation accuracies.
In addition to the communication network, Chinese scientists are planning a satellite-based navigation system around the moon, often referred to as Lunar GPS. This system will provide high-precision location services, improving navigation and positioning accuracy for lunar surface movements, landings, and take-offs. The navigation system will be developed in three phases and will deploy satellites in four types of orbits, ensuring reliable coverage and high accuracy.
China’s Chang’e-6 probe used laser 3D scanning to choose the best landing spot on the far side of the Moon. 🌑 #China #Moon #ChangE6 #research #space pic.twitter.com/jMayWaIFEc
— Vitalii Kapatsyna (@VitaliiKapatsy1) June 3, 2024
The concept of cislunar space infrastructure is gaining traction globally, with the US, Europe, and Japan also proposing similar systems to support their lunar exploration ambitions. China’s initiative seeks to establish a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy and support the nation’s aspirations as a space power. International collaboration may also play a crucial role in sharing technology, data, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of lunar exploration efforts.
Key Points:
- China plans to develop a comprehensive communication and navigation network between Earth and the moon.
- The system includes a satellite constellation and ground stations for real-time services.
- Development will occur in three stages, ultimately featuring 30 satellites and high data transmission rates.
- A satellite-based Lunar GPS will provide precise navigation for lunar missions.
- International collaboration is expected to enhance global lunar exploration efforts.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
