Chinese engineers save wayward satellites with gravity assist
Chinese engineers rescued two satellites that had been orbiting incorrectly for 123 days by using an innovative "gravitational slingshot" method. According to scientists, these satellites will enable autonomous control and piloting of unmanned spacecraft.
On March 15 at 8:15 PM Beijing time, China launched two satellites on a Yuanzheng-1S rocket mounted on a Long March-2C rocket. Although the first and second stages were successful, a technical issue with the upper stage prevented the satellites from reaching their intended orbit. After several months of rescue attempts, Chinese engineers tried to find a solution, including deorbiting the satellites so they would burn up in the atmosphere.
They used the gravity of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun
For 123 days, Chinese engineers worked tirelessly to rescue the satellites, ultimately succeeding thanks to a gravitational maneuver. In short, the engineers used gravity to direct the satellites onto the correct orbits. Their efforts not only saved the mission but also demonstrated a maneuver that could revolutionize deep space navigation.
The successful rescue involved using the gravitational forces of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun to steer the satellites back to their proper orbits. Thanks to this method, engineers regained control of the satellites, which had been too close to Earth and spinning uncontrollably.
In an interview with CGTN Digital, Zhang Hao, a researcher at CSU, recalled that during his first mission, he initially did not focus on the launch problems. He noted that if the satellites had been destroyed, it would have meant the loss of years of work and investment. Zhang Hao explained that the team was divided into two groups: one remotely controlled the satellite engines to slow their rotation, while his team calculated the best route to bring the satellites back on course.
What are the future plans for the Chinese satellites?
Satellites DRO-A and DRO-B have joined the previously launched satellite DRO-L, forming a constellation designed to provide navigation services for spacecraft. According to Mao Xinyuan, another researcher at CSU, these satellites will allow for the localisation of a spacecraft within three hours, marking significant progress compared to current methods. Mao stated that these satellites will allow for the piloting of unmanned spacecraft and enable autonomous control.
These satellites are part of China's plans to increase its presence around Earth and the Moon. The autonomous piloting capability will be crucial for sending crewed missions to the Moon by 2030 and supporting the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
