Chinese Deep Space Network

The Chinese Deep Space Network is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that supports the lunar and interplanetary spacecraft missions of China is managed by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC).[1][2] The network was first needed for the lunar mission Chang'e 1,[3][4] but will be used to support future missions to the moon and Mars. Similar networks are run by the USA, Russia, Europe, Japan, and India.

Network

As of 2007, the network consisted of:

Planned improvements by 2012, to support Chang'e 3 and Chang'e 4, include:[5]

By 2016, the intent is to construct an additional ground station in South America, in the Neuquen province of Argentina (~70°W), with a 50 million-dollar investment. The facility, a part of China's Lunar Exploration Program.[6]

Uses

The network was used to track Chang'e 2, first to L2[7] and then to asteroid Toutatis.[8]

References

  1. http://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/124/ China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC)
  2. http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1725382-preocupa-el-eventual-uso-militar-de-una-estacion-china-en-neuquen Preocupa el eventual uso militar de un área espacial de China en el Sur
  3. Renjiang Xie (February 14, 2007). "Gearing up for Chang'e".
  4. Jianguo, Yan; Ping, Jing-Song; Li, Fei (13 July 2008). Precise orbit determination of Smart-1 and Chang'E-1. 37th COSPAR Scientific Assembly.
  5. The Ministry of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China (January 10, 2011). "CHINA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER" (PDF).
  6. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/30/c_134368151.htm Chinese space station is "for exclusively scientific and civilian purposes": Argentine gov't
  7. "China's second moon orbiter Chang'e-2 sends data from 1.7 mln km away".
  8. Bill Gray (25 Aug 2012). "Chang'e 2: The Full Story".
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