China's new space network will improve astronaut communication, lunar navigation
What's the story
China has proposed a blueprint for a communication superhighway that would link Earth and the Moon.
The plan, developed by researchers from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, comprises three lunar ground stations and 30 satellites.
This extensive network aims to offer monitoring services, navigation, and real-time communication to global users.
Network capabilities
Facilitating space travel and connection
The primary objective of this proposed superhighway is to enable 20 or more space travelers, to communicate simultaneously with Earth through audio, images, or video.
In addition to communication services, the network will also offer accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) during spacecraft transit between the Moon and Earth, as well as during lunar surface operations.
The infrastructure will also monitor/track moving targets in cislunar space — region between Earth and Moon — even those as small as one meter.
Emerging competition
Cislunar space: The new frontier for human activities
"Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities," said Yang Mengfei, Chief Dsigner of China's Chang'e-5 mission.
According to the research team, activities in this region are tipped to expand rapidly over the next decade, leading to a new round of global competition.
The team noted that competition for resources such as orbital slots and radio frequencies has already begun, and is expected to become more intense in the future.
Roadmap development
China's strategic planning for cislunar space infrastructure
The researchers emphasized the urgent need for China to establish a top-level roadmap for developing cislunar space infrastructure, to gain a competitive edge in the emerging cislunar economy.
They highlighted that China is becoming an important player in deep space and lunar exploration.
Therefore, strategic planning is crucial to avoid repetitive construction and optimize resource allocation for future missions, which include exploration missions to the outer solar system, construction of an international lunar research station, and crewed lunar landings.