In a rare mishap for the Chinese agency, China's latest space mission faced an unexpected setback as two test satellites failed to reach their intended orbit.
Xinhua reports that the incident occurred during the launch of the satellites, known DRO-A and DRO-B, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province.
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Chinese Test Satellites Fail to Reach Orbit
The mission, aimed at testing advanced laser-based navigation technologies between Earth and the moon, encountered complications when the Yuanzheng-1S upper stage of the Long March-2C carrier rocket experienced abnormalities during flight.
Despite the initial stages of the rocket operating normally, the upper stage malfunctioned, preventing the satellites from accurately entering their preset orbit.
The plan was for the satellites to enter a distant retrograde orbit (DRO), positioned tens of thousands of kilometers above the lunar surface. This orbit offers stability, allowing spacecraft to remain on course for extended periods without expending excessive fuel.
Concerns from the International Community
However, the failure to reach the designated orbit raised concerns among space observers, including the US military and amateur astronomers, the South China Morning Post reports.
The current whereabouts of DRO-A and DRO-B remain unknown, adding a layer of uncertainty to the situation. Experts warn that locating objects in unexpected orbits, particularly high ones, can be a challenging task.
Speaking with SCMP, Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer who tracks space activities, emphasized the difficulty of tracking objects in such orbits, highlighting the importance of swift action to determine the satellites' status. Meanwhile, speculation arises regarding the cause of the upper stage malfunction, with some suggesting a possible engine failure.
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope for salvaging the mission. A Beijing-based rocket engineer noted that the satellites could potentially utilize their own propellant to maneuver to higher orbits. However, such a maneuver would come at the cost of reducing the mission's lifespan significantly.
The test satellites were developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai. The mission aimed to verify crucial technologies for deep-space laser communications and data transmission, marking a significant step forward in China's space exploration capabilities.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, China's space ambitions remain undeterred. Plans for a next-generation space station in lunar orbit, facilitating crewed moon landings and material delivery between the moon and Earth, continue to progress. This setback underscores the challenges inherent in space exploration but also highlights the resilience and determination of China's space program.
Meanwhile, NASA pursues its own lunar exploration agenda, opting for a different orbit, the near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), for its lunar Gateway station and supporting missions to the moon's surface, Mars, and beyond.
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