A BeiDou-like satnav system for the moon? Chinese scientists plot a possible route

The proposed construction of 21 satellites to provide a navigation system for the moon would support China’s lunar ambitions

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Chinese scientists have proposed a satellite navigation system to give around-the-clock services to all parts of the moon. Photo: Shutterstock

Ling Xinin Ohio

Published: 12:00pm, 14 Jul 2024Updated: 12:17pm, 14 Jul 2024

The moon could soon have its own satellite navigation system, according to a proposal by Chinese scientists.

The team from the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering proposed the construction of 21 satellites around the moon which would provide real-time, high-precision navigation to support China’s lunar ambitions.

The satellites will be deployed in four types of orbits over three phases, featuring a sustainable and cost-effective design, according to a paper published last month in the journal, Chinese Space Science and Technology.

While the paper did not specify a construction timeline, China aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030 and to build a research base at the lunar south pole with international partners around 2035.

“A satellite constellation in near-lunar space can provide real-time, high-precision navigation and positioning for lunar surface movement, landing and take-off, and support high-frequency human exploration of the moon in the long run,” wrote the team led by Peng Jing, deputy chief designer of China’s Chang’e-5 mission.

“Our study presented a road map to assemble such a constellation step by step, expanding its coverage from the lunar south pole region to the entire moon.”

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