China launches relay satellite Queqiao-2 for Earth-moon communication

China launched Queqiao-2 relay satellite atop Long March-8 Y3 carrier rocket for China's lunar missions at 8:31 a.m. Beijing Time from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province on Wednesday.

The satellite separated from the carrier rocket 24 minutes after liftoff, entering the planned orbit for Earth-moon transfer. The solar panels and communication antennas were unfolded afterward, marking a successful launch mission. Queqiao-2 will enable communication between China's lunar rover and the ground station, providing relay support for Chang'e-6, Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions.