China's Queqiao Relay Satellite Reaches the Second Lagrangian (L2) Point of the Earth-Moon System on June 14, 2018

China's Queqiao relay satellite reaches the second Lagrangian (L2) point of the Earth-Moon system on June 14, 2018. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

China's Queqiao relay satellite reaches the second Lagrangian (L2) point of the Earth-Moon system on June 14, 2018

The Queqiao relay satellite for the planned Chang'e 4 lunar probe entered the Halo orbit around the second Lagrangian (L2) point of the Earth-Moon system, about 65,000 km from the Moon on June 14, 2018, making it the first satellite orbiting the point in the world.

Satellites like Queqiao are called "satellites' satellites" as they provide relay and measurement services and largely improve the service efficiency and emergency capacity of all kinds of satellites.

Queqiao, generally developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, has played important roles in data transmission and ground measurement and control missions of the Chang'e 4 lunar probe.

(Executive editor: Hao Wen)