The Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 satellites, launched on March 19, have successfully completed their initial tests of high-reliability transmission and routing between Earth and the lunar surface. The satellites are intended to serve as a pathfinder for future lunar infrastructure and will conduct further communication and navigation technology experiments to support the development of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and a lunar communication, navigation, and remote sensing network.
The Tiandu-1 satellite weighs 134 pounds (61 kilograms) and is equipped with a Ka-band dual-frequency communicator, a laser retroreflector, and a space router. Tiandu-2 weighs 33 pounds (15 kilograms) and carries communication and navigation devices. The satellites are flying in formation around 124 miles (200 kilometers) apart in lunar orbit.
The results of the Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 experiments will guide the design and construction of the ILRS and the lunar communication, navigation, and remote sensing network. The ILRS is a planned international research facility that will provide a platform for scientific research and exploration on the Moon. The lunar communication, navigation, and remote sensing network will provide the infrastructure for communication, navigation, and remote sensing services for lunar missions and operations.