China conducts first-ever laser measurement of satellite at lunar distance

A major milestone in deep-space exploration has been reached with the successful completion of the first satellite laser ranging experiment at a distance comparable to that between Earth and the Moon. The breakthrough was made during a mission targeting a distant retrograde orbit, a stable orbital path sometimes called a "natural space harbour".

Using a ground-based laser system with a 1.2-metre aperture, researchers precisely measured the distance to a satellite orbiting approximately 350,000 kilometres away, which is about the same as the average Earth-Moon separation. The satellite, launched earlier this year, initially failed to reach its intended orbit. However, after a months-long recovery effort, engineers successfully guided it into the correct position.

This achievement also led to the development of a new navigation system that allows satellites to operate autonomously in the vast region between Earth and the Moon, an area far larger than traditional satellite orbits near Earth.

According to CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS, the success demonstrates significant progress in space technology and strengthens ambitions for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

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