The satellite constellation – named Queqiao, or Magpie Bridge – is expected to begin its activities in 2030, when it will serve as a communications bridge for deep space exploration missions, according to Chinese state media.
The project's goal is to support China's ongoing lunar exploration programme and the building of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), said Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the project, during the country's First International Deep Space Exploration Conference.
During the event, the Queqiao constellation was described as "a space infrastructure and public service platform built and operated in deep space". It would reportedly feature the capability of efficient communications, navigation, in-orbit computing and information storage.
Wu announced that the satellite constellation would be built in three phases, with the first relay satellite for communications between the far side of the Moon and Earth...