An infrared image showing a section of the heavily-cratered far side of the moon and a patchy view of the distant Earth, taken by Tiandu-2, which launched with Queqiao-2 in March 2024.
An infrared image of the far side of the moon and distant Earth, captured by Tiandu-2, which launched with Queqiao-2 in March 2024. Credit: CNSA

HELSINKI — The Queqiao-2 satellite has completed function and performance tests in lunar orbit, clearing China to launch its upcoming lunar far side sample return mission.

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Andrew Jones writes about China's space industry, including civilian programs, space science and exploration, policy, and commercial developments for SpaceNews, and writes the China Report newsletter. He has additional bylines in Scientific American,...