China Satellite Survey and Control Extends to the Moon

    According to the Xi'an Satellite Observation and Control Center, the exact orbit calculation technology for moon-exploration spacecraft and the comprehensive technologies for tracking moon exploration orbits and related experimental demonstrations have passed experts' appraisal. The key technologies will enable China to extend its aerospace orbit observation and control from the earth to the moon.

    Locating and controlling satellite orbits is considered a core technology in aerospace observation and control. It is also an important criterion by which to judge a country's aerospace observation and control capabilities. As satellite movements begin to change from single satellites to groups, the orbits along which these satellites move are also beginning to progress from near-earth orbits and geosynchronous orbits around the earth, to deep-space orbits around the moon and other planets.

    This trend is placing higher demands on orbit calculation and control technology. The Xi'an Satellite Observation and Control Center has successfully designed orbit observation methods and related software for locating orbits around the moon. With this technology, scientists can pinpoint and control the location of orbits in deep space. The accuracy of orbit locations calculated with this technology has reached an advanced international level.