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The '''Chinese Deep Space Network''' (CDSN) is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that are used for the [[interplanetary spaceflight|interplanetary]] [[spacecraft]] missions of [[China]]. It is managed by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC).<ref>http://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/124/ China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC)</ref><ref>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</ref> They also deal with [[Radio astronomy|radio-astronomical]] and radar observations.


The '''Chinese Deep Space Network''' ('''CDSN''') is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that are used for [[radio astronomy]], radar observations, and [[spacecraft]] missions of [[China]]. The CDSN is managed by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control Center General (CLTC) of the [[People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]] Space Systems Department.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=Eyes on the Skies: China's Growing Space Footprint in South America |url=https://features.csis.org/hiddenreach/china-ground-stations-space |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005034621/https://features.csis.org/hiddenreach/china-ground-stations-space/ |archive-date=2022-10-05 |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=[[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/124/|title=China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC)|publisher=Nuclear Threat Initiative|date=31 January 2013|access-date=23 June 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526114211/https://www.nti.org/learn/facilities/124/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dinatale|first=Martín|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1725382-preocupa-el-eventual-uso-militar-de-una-estacion-china-en-neuquen|title=Preocupa el eventual uso militar de un área espacial de China en el Sur|newspaper=[[La Nación]]|date=8 September 2014|access-date=23 June 2021|language=es|archive-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905214702/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1725382-preocupa-el-eventual-uso-militar-de-una-estacion-china-en-neuquen|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Garrison|first=Cassandra|date=2019-01-31|title=China's military-run space station in Argentina is a 'black box'|language=en|work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-argentina-china-insight-idUSKCN1PP0I2|access-date=2022-01-25|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125031112/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-argentina-china-insight-idUSKCN1PP0I2|url-status=live}}</ref>
The network was first needed for the lunar mission [[Chang'e 1]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2007/02/Gearing%20up%20for%20Change.aspx |title=Gearing up for Chang'e
|author=Renjiang Xie
|date=February 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |title=Precise orbit determination of Smart-1 and Chang'E-1 |author1=Jianguo, Yan |author2=Ping, Jing-Song |author3=Li, Fei |conference=37th COSPAR Scientific Assembly |date=13 July 2008 |bibcode=2008cosp...37.1381J }}</ref> but will be used to support future missions to the [[Exploration of the Moon|Moon]] and [[Exploration of Mars|Mars]] such as [[Chang'e 5]], and [[Tianwen-1]] missions. Similar networks are run by the [[NASA Deep Space Network|USA]], [[Soviet Deep Space Network|Russia]], [[ESTRACK|European countries]], [[Japanese Deep Space Network|Japan]], and [[Indian Deep Space Network|India]].


The network was first needed for the lunar mission [[Chang'e 1]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2007/02/Gearing%20up%20for%20Change.aspx |title=Gearing up for Chang'e |last=Xie |first=Renjiang |magazine=Astronomy |date=14 February 2007 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=16 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316221744/http://www.astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2007/02/Gearing%20up%20for%20Change.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |title = Precise orbit determination of Smart-1 and Chang'E-1 |last1=Yan|first1=Jianguo |last2=Ping|first2=Jing-Song |last3=Li|first3=Fei |conference = 37th COSPAR Scientific Assembly |year=2008 |bibcode=2008cosp...37.1381J }}</ref> and since has been used to support subsequent missions to the [[Exploration of the Moon|Moon]] and [[Exploration of Mars|Mars]] such as [[Chang'e 5]], and [[Tianwen-1]] missions. Similar deep space networks are run by the [[NASA Deep Space Network|United States]], [[Soviet Deep Space Network|Russia]], [[ESTRACK|European countries]], [[Usuda Deep Space Center|Japan]], and [[Indian Deep Space Network|India]].
== Introduction ==
[[File:XAO Nanshan 25-m radio telescope 2007-08-22.jpg|thumb|25-Meter Nanshan Radio telescope at [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory]] (XAO), [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]].]]


== History ==
In principle, a Chinese deep space network has existed since 1993 with the commissioning of the [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory|Nanshan 25 meters]] telescope in the mountains south of [[Ürümqi]]. The 25 meters antenna of the [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]] was then not only able to participate in the Southern Hemisphere [[Very-long-baseline interferometry|VLBI]] Experiment program, but also to form its own Chinese baseline together with Ürümqi and observe and measure distant objects.
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2024}}[[File:XAO Nanshan 25-m radio telescope 2007-08-22.jpg|thumb|Nanshan 25-meter radio telescope at [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory]] (XAO), [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]].]]


In principle, a Chinese deep space network has existed since 1993 with the commissioning of the [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory|Nanshan 25-meter]] telescope in the mountains south of [[Ürümqi]]. The 25-meter antenna of the [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]] was then not only able to participate in the Southern Hemisphere [[Very-long-baseline interferometry|VLBI]] Experiment program, but also to form its own Chinese baseline together with Ürümqi and observe and measure distant objects.{{cn|date=November 2024}}
All stations are equipped with high-precision [[hydrogen maser]] clocks and connected via powerful communication networks. All stations comply with the provisions of the [[Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems]] (CCSDS), so data exchange with the systems of other space agencies is possible despite different technical equipment.


All stations are equipped with high-precision [[hydrogen maser]] clocks and connected via powerful communication networks. All stations comply with the provisions of the [[Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems]] (CCSDS), so data exchange with the systems of other space agencies is possible despite different technical equipment.{{cn|date=November 2024}}
The antennas of Sheshan, Ürümqi, Miyun, Kunming and Tianma can be interconnected to form a national association and in this way form the Chinese [[Very-long-baseline interferometry|VLBI]] Network (CVN), a VLBI telescope the size of China . The evaluation of the data from the CVN takes place in the VLBI observation base Sheshan of the [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]]. The facilities in Shanghai and Ürümqi are also integrated into the [[European VLBI Network]] (EVN).

The antennas of Sheshan, Ürümqi, Miyun, Kunming and Tianma can be interconnected to form a national association and in this way form the Chinese VLBI Network (CVN), a VLBI telescope the size of China. The evaluation of the data from the CVN takes place in the VLBI observation base Sheshan of the [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]]. The facilities in Shanghai and Ürümqi are also integrated into the [[European VLBI Network]] (EVN).{{cn|date=November 2024}}


== Network ==
== Network ==
[[File:Shanghai 65-meter Tianma Radio Telescope.jpg|thumb|65-Meter Tian-Ma Radio telescope at [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]] (SHAO), [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]].]]
[[File:Shanghai 65-meter Tianma Radio Telescope.jpg|thumb|Tianma 65-meter radio telescope at [[Shanghai Astronomical Observatory]] (SHAO), [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]].]]


As of 2007, the network consisted of:
In 2007, the network consisted of:
*Ground control stations in [[Kashgar]] and [[Qingdao]] (in the [[Shandong]] province).
* Ground control stations in [[Kashgar]] and [[Qingdao]] (in the [[Shandong]] province).
*18 meter antennas in Qingdao and Kashgar
* 18-meter antennas in Qingdao and Kashgar
*A 50-meter antenna at [[Miyun County|Miyun]] (~116°E), near [[Beijing]].
* A 50-meter antenna at [[Miyun District|Miyun]] (~116°E), near [[Beijing]].
*A 40-meter antenna in [[Yunnan]] (~101°E).
* A 40-meter antenna in [[Yunnan]] (~101°E).


In 2012, improvements were made to support [[Chang'e 3]] and [[Chang'e 4]] Moon missions, including:<ref>{{cite web
In 2012, improvements were made to support [[Chang'e 3]] and [[Chang'e 4]] Moon missions, including:<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.china-un.org/eng/chinaandun/economicdevelopment/kj/P020110115006622904427.pdf |title=China Builds Deep Space Network |magazine=China Science and Technology Newsletter |issue=606 |date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=June 21, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927082258/http://www.china-un.org/eng/chinaandun/economicdevelopment/kj/P020110115006622904427.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref>
* Upgrades to the ground facilities at [[Kashgar]] and [[Qingdao]], and a deep-space ground control station at [[Jiamusi]].
|url=http://www.china-un.org/eng/chinaandun/economicdevelopment/kj/P020110115006622904427.pdf
* A new 35-meter antenna at the Kashgar station.
|title=CHINA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER
* A 64-meter antenna in [[Jiamusi]]. (~130°E)
|author=The Ministry of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China
|date=January 10, 2011
|access-date=June 21, 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927082258/http://www.china-un.org/eng/chinaandun/economicdevelopment/kj/P020110115006622904427.pdf
|archive-date=September 27, 2011
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
*Upgrades to the ground facilities at [[Kashgar]] and [[Qingdao]], and a deep-space ground control station at [[Jiamusi]].
*A new 35-meter antenna at the Kashgar station.
*A 64-meter antenna in [[Jiamusi]]. (~130°E)
{{update after|2013}}


[[File:Antena de la CONAE-CLTC Neuquén.jpg|thumb|The [[Neuquén]] ground station of the Chinese Deep Space Network.]]
[[File:Antena de la CONAE-CLTC Neuquén.jpg|thumb|The [[Espacio Lejano Station]] of the Chinese Deep Space Network.]]


In 2014, China and Argentina signed an agreement allowing China to construct a ground station in [[South America]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/gravity-china-s-space-base-argentina |title=The gravity of China's space base in Argentina |author=Erin Watson-Lynn |publisher=Lowry Institute |date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> The station was built in the [[Neuquén Province|Neuquen province]] of Argentina (~70°W), with a 50 million-dollar investment. The facility, a part of [[Chinese Lunar Exploration Program]],<ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/30/c_134368151.htm Chinese space station is "for exclusively scientific and civilian purposes": Argentine gov't</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/05/china-builds-space-monitoring-base-in-the-americas/ |title=China Builds Space-Monitoring Base in the Americas |author=Victor Robert Lee |date=May 24, 2016}} Includes pictures and coordinates.</ref> was inaugurated in October 2017.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Martín Dinatale |title=Tras la polémica por su eventual uso militar, la estación espacial de China en Neuquén ya empezó a funcionar |url=https://www.infobae.com/politica/2018/01/28/tras-la-polemica-por-su-eventual-uso-militar-la-estacion-espacial-de-china-en-neuquen-ya-empezo-a-funcionar/ |accessdate=2 June 2018 |agency=[[Infobae]] |date=28 January 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref> The station is seen by some as a symbol of China's increased role in South America's politics and economy.<ref>{{cite newspaper |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/28/world/americas/china-latin-america.html |title=From a Space Station in Argentina, China Expands Its Reach in Latin America |work=New York Times |date=28 July 2018}}</ref>
In 2014, China and Argentina signed an agreement allowing China to construct the [[Espacio Lejano Station]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/gravity-china-s-space-base-argentina |title=The gravity of China's space base in Argentina |last=Watson-Lynn |first=Erin |website=The Interpreter |publisher=Lowy Institute |date=June 9, 2020 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511051244/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/gravity-china-s-space-base-argentina |url-status=live }}</ref> The station was built in [[Neuquén Province]], Argentina (~70°W), with a 50 million-dollar investment. The facility, a part of [[Chinese Lunar Exploration Program]],<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/30/c_134368151.htm |title=Chinese space station is "for exclusively scientific and civilian purposes": Argentine gov't |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=30 June 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150702112611/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/30/c_134368151.htm |archive-date=2 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/05/china-builds-space-monitoring-base-in-the-americas/ |title=China Builds Space-Monitoring Base in the Americas |last=Lee |first=Victor Robert |magazine=The Diplomat |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210232030/https://thediplomat.com/2016/05/china-builds-space-monitoring-base-in-the-americas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was inaugurated in October 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dinatale |first=Martín |title=Tras la polémica por su eventual uso militar, la estación espacial de China en Neuquén ya empezó a funcionar |url=https://www.infobae.com/politica/2018/01/28/tras-la-polemica-por-su-eventual-uso-militar-la-estacion-espacial-de-china-en-neuquen-ya-empezo-a-funcionar/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |website=[[Infobae]] |date=28 January 2018 |language=es |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029115843/https://www.infobae.com/politica/2018/01/28/tras-la-polemica-por-su-eventual-uso-militar-la-estacion-espacial-de-china-en-neuquen-ya-empezo-a-funcionar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The station is seen by some as a symbol of China's increased role in South America's politics and economy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Londoño |first=Ernesto |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/28/world/americas/china-latin-america.html |title=From a Space Station in Argentina, China Expands Its Reach in Latin America |newspaper=The New York Times |date=28 July 2018 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501173246/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/28/world/americas/china-latin-america.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Since 2018, China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC) was a customer of [[Swedish Space Corporation]] (SSC), which provided CLTC services, including TT&C for pre-defined civilian satellites within research, Earth observation and weather data as well as for other scientific spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web |last1=SSC| title= Appendix of SSC's Chinese customers |url=https://www.sscspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Appendix_China-Customers.pdf| website=SSC |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618192318/https://www.sscspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Appendix_China-Customers.pdf| archive-date=21 September 2020}}</ref> It was reported by Reuters on 21 September 2020 that SSC decided not to renew its contracts with China to help operate Chinese satellites from SSC’s ground stations, or seek new business with China.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Ahlander |first1= Johan |last2= Barrett |first2= Jonathan | title= Swedish space agency halts new business helping China operate satellites|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/china-space-australia-sweden-int/swedish-space-corporation-halts-new-business-with-china-idUSKCN26C1XU| website=Reuters |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921204616/https://www.reuters.com/article/china-space-australia-sweden-int/swedish-space-corporation-halts-new-business-with-china-idUSKCN26C1XU| archive-date=21 September 2020}}</ref>
Since 2018, China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC) was a customer of the [[Swedish Space Corporation]] (SSC), which provided CLTC services, including TT&C for pre-defined civilian satellites within research, Earth observation and weather data as well as for other scientific spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web |title = Appendix for SSC's Chinese customers |url = https://www.sscspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Appendix_China-Customers.pdf |publisher=Swedish Space Corporation |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200618192318/https://www.sscspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Appendix_China-Customers.pdf |archive-date=18 June 2020}}</ref> It was reported by [[Reuters]] on 21 September 2020 that SSC decided not to renew its contracts with China to help operate Chinese satellites from SSC's ground stations, or seek new business with China.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Ahlander |first1= Johan |last2= Barrett |first2= Jonathan |title= Swedish space agency halts new business helping China operate satellites |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/china-space-australia-sweden-int/swedish-space-corporation-halts-new-business-with-china-idUSKCN26C1XU |work=Reuters |date=21 September 2020 |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200921204616/https://www.reuters.com/article/china-space-australia-sweden-int/swedish-space-corporation-halts-new-business-with-china-idUSKCN26C1XU |archive-date=21 September 2020 }}</ref>

In late 2020, the [[Kashgar Prefecture|Kashgar]] ground station was upgraded from one single 35-meter antenna to an antenna array consisting of four 35-meter antennas. The capacity of the new system was equivalent to a 66-meter antenna.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=Guoli |last2=Lü |first2=Binghong |date=2020-11-18 |title=我国首个深空天线组阵系统正式启用 |language=zh-CN |agency=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-11/18/c_1126755708.htm |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603074548/http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-11/18/c_1126755708.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Systems for radio astronomy ==
== Systems for radio astronomy ==
[[File:FAST Radio Telescope (captured from video).jpg|thumb|The [[Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope|FAST radio telescope]] as seen from above in 2020.]]
[[File:FAST Radio Telescope (captured from video).jpg|thumb|Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) as seen from above in 2020.]]
[[file:21-Centimetre Array pods of the Primeval Structure Telescope, pointing to the North Celestial Pole.jpg|thumb|[[Primeval Structure Telescope]] (PaST), also called 21 Centimeter Array (21CMA).]]
[[File:21-Centimetre Array pods of the Primeval Structure Telescope, pointing to the North Celestial Pole.jpg|thumb|Primeval Structure Telescope (PaST), also called 21 Centimeter Array (21CMA).]]
[[Radio astronomy]], despite using similar large antennas, is a very different field than spacecraft communication. There is no need to transmit, and the receiving bands are chosen for scientific interest.
* The 15-meter radio telescope in Miyun was built in 1992 and used to study [[pulsar]]s, but was dismantled around 2002 in favor of the 50-meter radio telescope. <ref>{{citation|surname1=C. Jin |display-authors=etal |periodical=Chinese Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics|title=The Miyun 50 m Pulsar Radio Telescope|volume=6|page=320|date=2006|language=de}}</ref>


[[Radio astronomy]], despite using similar large antennas, is a very different field than spacecraft communication. There is no need to transmit, and the receiving bands are chosen for scientific interest.
* The [[Beijing Astronomical Observatory#Miyun|Miyun Synthesis Radio Telescope]] (MSRT) is a telescope for observing solar activity and examines the frequency range of 232 MHz. It consists of 28 antennas with a diameter of 9 meters each with baselines between 18 m and 1164 m at intervals of 6 m and has been in operation since 1998. <ref>{{citation |author=X.Z. Zhang |author2=T.Y. Piao |author3=L.S.Kang |author4=L. Pang |title=Solar Observation with Miyun Radio Telescope |book-title=The Universe at Low Radio Frequencies IAU Symposium |volume=199 |editor=A. Pramesh Rao |editor2=G. Suiarup |editor3=Gopal-Krishna |date=2002|language=en|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0074180900169517}}</ref>
* The 15-meter radio telescope in Miyun was built in 1992 and used to study [[pulsar]]s, but was dismantled around 2002 in favor of the 50-meter radio telescope.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jin|first1=C. |last2=Cao|first2=Y. |last3=Chen|first3=H. |last4=Gao|first4=J. |last5=Gao|first5=L. |last6=Kong|first6=D. |last7=Su|first7=Y. |last8=Wang|first8=M. |journal=Chinese Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics |title = The Miyun 50 m Pulsar Radio Telescope |volume=6|page=320|year=2006 |doi=10.1088/1009-9271/6/S2/59 |s2cid=120782642 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* The [[Beijing Astronomical Observatory#Miyun|Miyun Synthesis Radio Telescope]] (MSRT) is a telescope for observing solar activity and examines the frequency range of 232&nbsp;MHz. It consists of 28 antennas with a diameter of 9&nbsp;meters each with baselines between 18&nbsp;m and 1164&nbsp;m at intervals of 6&nbsp;m and has been in operation since 1998.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zhang |first1=X.Z. |last2=Piao |first2=T.Y. |last3=Kang |first3=L.S. |last4=Pang |first4=L. |title= Solar Observation with Miyun Radio Telescope |journal = The Universe at Low Radio Frequencies IAU Symposium |volume=199 |editor1-last = Pramesh Rao |editor1-first = A. |editor2-last = Suiarup |editor2-first = G. |editor3-last = Gopal-Krishna |editor3-link = Gopal Krishna (astronomer) |year=2002 |pages=430–431 |bibcode=2002IAUS..199..430Z |doi=10.1017/S0074180900169517 |s2cid=118095827 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* The [[Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope]] (FAST) is the radio telescope with the world's largest primary mirror. The total diameter of the immovable spherical main mirror is 500&nbsp;meters; signals can be effectively received over an area with a diameter of 300&nbsp;meters (aperture). FAST is mainly used for radio astronomy. However, FAST will play an important role in China's 2020 Mars mission, because of the frequency range of its receivers (70&nbsp;MHz to 3&nbsp;GHz). Any Mars landing, such as will be attempted by [[Tianwen-1]], must decelerate from many times the speed of sound to 0 within 6–8 minutes,<ref>{{cite web |script-title=zh:2020中国火星探测计划(根据叶院士报告整理) |website=spaceflightfans.cn |url=http://www.spaceflightfans.cn/28219.html |date=2018-03-14 |access-date=23 June 2021 |language=zh-CN |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104125145/http://www.spaceflightfans.cn/28219.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> so the frequency of the carrier wave of the telemetry signals in the [[X-band]] changes rapidly due to the [[Doppler effect]]. In the event of the sudden braking caused by opening the parachute, the regular deep-space stations will most likely lose contact with the probe. For backup, Mars landings therefore enlist the cooperation of radio astronomy facilities that can receive [[Ultra high frequency|decimeter band]] (UHF) communication.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarkissian |first=John |url=https://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/people/sar049/msl_tracks/edl/ |title=The Parkes MSL EDL Track |publisher=CSIRO Parkes Observatory |date=6 August 2012 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221121050/https://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/people/sar049/msl_tracks/edl/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Esterhuizen|first1=S.|last2=Asmar|first2=S. W. |last3=De|first3=K. |last4=Gupta|first4=Y. |last5=Katore|first5=S. N. |last6=Ajithkumar |first6=B. |date=March 2019 |title = ExoMars Schiaparelli direct-to-earth observation using GMRT |journal=Radio Science |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=314–325|doi=10.1029/2018RS006707 |bibcode=2019RaSc...54..314E |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dong |first1=Guangliang |last2=Li |first2=Haitao |last3=Hao |first3=Wanhong |last4=Wang |first4=Hong |last5=Zhu |first5=Zhiyong |last6=Shi |first6=Shanbin |last7=Fan |first7=Min |last8=Zhou |first8=Huan |last9=Xu |first9=Dezhen |script-title=zh:中国深空测控系统建设与技术发展 |trans-title=Development and Future of China's Deep Space TT&C System |journal=Journal of Deep Space Exploration |url=http://jdse.bit.edu.cn/sktcxb/en/article/doi/10.15982/j.issn.2095-7777.2018.02.001 |date=April 2018 |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=99–114 |doi=10.15982/j.issn.2095-7777.2018.02.001 |language=zh-CN |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205616/http://jdse.bit.edu.cn/sktcxb/en/article/doi/10.15982/j.issn.2095-7777.2018.02.001 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Morabito |first1=David D. |last2=Schratz |first2=Brian |last3=Bruvold |first3=Kris |last4=Ilott |first4=Peter |last5=Edquist |first5=Karl |last6=Cianciolo |first6=Alicia Dwyer |title=The Mars Science Laboratory EDL Communications Brownout and Blackout at UHF |journal=The Interplanetary Network Progress Report |url=https://ipnpr.jpl.nasa.gov/progress_report/42-197/197A.pdf |volume=42-197 |pages=1–22 |date=15 May 2014 |bibcode=2014IPNPR.197A...1M |access-date=17 February 2021 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125123259/https://ipnpr.jpl.nasa.gov/progress_report/42-197/197A.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Primeval Structure Telescope]] (PaST), also called 21 Centimetre Array (21CMA), in [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory|Ulastai]], [[Xinjiang]] was completed in 2006. It was expanded in 2009 with new, low-noise amplifiers and better computer technology for evaluation. This remote valley array studies the low level emissions of neutral hydrogen from the [[hydrogen line]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The 21 CentiMeter Array (21CMA) |publisher=National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences |url=http://english.nao.cas.cn/Research2015/rp2015/201701/t20170120_173603.html |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619123139/https://english.nao.cas.cn/Research2015/rp2015/201701/t20170120_173603.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The array consists of 81 groups (pods) with a total of 10287 antennas. These are arranged in two mutually perpendicular arms, one 6.1&nbsp;km long in an east–west direction, the other 4&nbsp;km long in a north–south direction. Each antenna has 16 dipoles with lengths between 0.242 and 0.829&nbsp;meters and covers a frequency range from 50 to 200&nbsp;MHz.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zheng|first1=Qian |last2=Wu|first2=Xiang-Ping |last3=Johnston-Hollitt|first3=Melanie |author-link3=Melanie Johnston-Hollitt |last4=Gu|first4=Jun-Hua |last5=Xu|first5=Haiguang |title=Radio Sources in the NCP Region Observed with the 21 Centimeter Array |journal=The Astrophysical Journal |date=1 December 2016|volume=832 |issue=2 |page=190 |doi=10.3847/0004-637X/832/2/190 |arxiv=1602.06624 |bibcode=2016ApJ...832..190Z |s2cid=118551520 |doi-access=free }}</ref>


=== Planned or under construction stations ===
* The [[Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope|FAST radio telescope]] is the radio telescope with the world's largest primary mirror. The total diameter of the immovable spherical main mirror is 500 meters; signals can be effectively received over an area with a diameter of 300 meters (aperture). FAST is mainly used for radio astronomy. However, FAST will play an important role in the [[Tianwen-1|China's 2020 Mars mission]], because of the frequency range of its receivers (70 MHz to 3 GHz). Any Mars landing, such as will be attempted by [[Tianwen-1]], must decelerate from many times the speed of sound to 0 within 6-8 minutes,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=zh:2020中国火星探测计划(根据叶院士报告整理)|website=spaceflightfans.cn |url=http://www.spaceflightfans.cn/28219.html |date=2018-03-14 |language=zh}}</ref> so the frequency of the carrier wave of the telemetry signals in the [[X-band]] changes rapidly due to the [[Doppler effect]]. In the event of the sudden braking caused by opening the parachute, the regular deep-space stations will most likely lose contact with the probe. For backup, Mars landings therefore enlist the cooperation of radio astronomy facilities that can receive [[Ultra high frequency|decimeter band (UHF)]] communication.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/people/sar049/msl_tracks/edl/ |title=The Parkes MSL EDL Track}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Esterhuizen, S., Asmar, S. W., De, K., Gupta, Y., Katore, S. N., & Ajithkumar, B. |date=January 2019 |title=ExoMars Schiaparelli direct-to-earth observation using GMRT |journal=Radio Science |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=314-325}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=zh:中国深空测控系统建设与技术发展|website=jdse.bit.edu.cn |url=http://jdse.bit.edu.cn/html/sktcxbcn/2018/2/20180201.htm|last=董光亮、李海涛 |display-authors=etal |date=2018-03-05 |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Mars Science Laboratory EDL Communications Brownout and Blackout at UHF|periodical=ipnpr.jpl.nasa.gov |url=https://ipnpr.jpl.nasa.gov/progress_report/42-197/197A.pdf|format=PDF |last=David D. Morabito |display-authors=etal |date=2014-05-15 |language=en}}</ref>
* The [[Qitai Radio Telescope]] (QTT) is a planned 110-meter [[radio telescope]] to be built in [[Qitai County]] in [[Xinjiang]], China. Upon completion, which is scheduled for 2023,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iflscience.com/space/china-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope-by-2023/|title=China To Build The World's Largest Steerable Radio Telescope By 2023|last=O'Callaghan|first=Jonathan|date=2018-01-17|website=IFLScience|access-date=2018-02-11|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421190409/https://www.iflscience.com/space/china-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope-by-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref> it will be the world's largest fully steerable single-dish radio telescope. It is intended to operate at 300&nbsp;MHz to 117&nbsp;GHz. The fully steerable dish of the QTT will allow it to observe 75% of the stars in the sky at any given time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seeker.com/astronomy/china-plans-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope|title=China Plans to Build the World's Largest Steerable Radio Telescope|last=Atkinson|first=Nancy|date=2018-01-24|website=Seeker|access-date=2018-02-11|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015110739/https://www.seeker.com/astronomy/china-plans-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope|url-status=live}}</ref> The QTT and the FAST, also located in China, can both observe frequencies in the "[[Water hole (radio)|water hole]]" that has traditionally been favored by scientists engaged in the [[search for extraterrestrial intelligence]] (SETI), meaning that each observatory could provide follow-up observations of putative signals from extraterrestrials detected in this quiet part of the radio spectrum at the other observatory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/radio-telescope-china-qtt-alien-signals/|title=New biggest radio telescope to help detect alien signals|last=Mack|first=Eric|date=2018-01-17|website=CNET|access-date=23 June 2021|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421191909/https://www.cnet.com/news/radio-telescope-china-qtt-alien-signals/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Primeval Structure Telescope]] (PaST), also called 21 Centimetre Array (21CMA), in [[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory|Ulastai]], [[Xinjiang]] was completed in 2006. It was expanded in 2009 with new, low-noise amplifiers and better computer technology for evaluation. This remote valley array studies the low level emissions of neutral hydrogen from the [[Hydrogen line]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The 21 CentiMeter Array (21CMA) |website=National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences |url=http://english.nao.cas.cn/Research2015/rp2015/201701/t20170120_173603.html|last=liwen}}</ref> The array consists of 81 groups (pods) with a total of 10287 antennas. These are arranged in two mutually perpendicular arms, one 6.1 km long in an east-west direction, the other 4 km long in a north-south direction. Each antenna has 16 dipoles with lengths between 0.242 and 0.829 meters and covers a frequency range from 50 to 200 MHz. <ref>{{citation |author=Qian Zheng |author2=Xiang-Ping Wu |author3=Melanie Johnston-Hollitt |author4=Jun-hua Gu |author5=Haiguang Xu |title=Radiosources in the NCP Region Observed with the 21 Centimeter Array |date=2016|language=de|arxiv=1602.06624v3}}</ref>

== Planned or under construction stations ==
* 110 meters [[Qitai Radio Telescope]] (QTT) is a planned [[radio telescope]] to be built in [[Qitai]] County in [[Xinjiang]], [[China]]. Upon completion, which is scheduled for 2023,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.iflscience.com/space/china-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope-by-2023/|title=China To Build The World's Largest Steerable Radio Telescope By 2023|last=O'Callaghan|first=Jonathan|date=2018-01-17|work=IFLScience|access-date=2018-02-11}}</ref> it will be the world's largest fully steerable single-dish radio telescope. It is intended to operate at 300&nbsp;MHz to 117&nbsp;GHz. The fully steerable dish of the QTT will allow it to observe 75% of the stars in the sky at any given time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.seeker.com/astronomy/china-plans-to-build-the-worlds-largest-steerable-radio-telescope|title=China Plans to Build the World's Largest Steerable Radio Telescope|last=Atkinson|first=Nancy|date=2018-01-24|work=Seeker|access-date=2018-02-11}}</ref> The QTT and the [[Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope|Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST)]], also located in China, can both observe frequencies in the "[[Water hole (radio)|water hole]]" that has traditionally been favored by scientists engaged in the [[Search for extraterrestrial intelligence|Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence]] ([[SETI]]), meaning that each observatory could provide follow-up observations of putative signals from extraterrestrials detected in this quiet part of the radio spectrum at the other observatory.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/radio-telescope-china-qtt-alien-signals/|title=New biggest radio telescope to help detect alien signals|last=Mack|first=Eric|date=2018-01-17|work=CNET}}</ref>


== Relay satellites ==
== Relay satellites ==
China has several [[relay satellite]]s of the Tianlian series (currently consisting of the [[Tianlian_I|Tianlian 1]] and [[Tianlian_II|Tianlian 2]] series) in [[Geostationary orbit|geostationary orbits]], which can relay data to each other and to the ground, thus enabling communication with spacecraft that have no direct contact with ground stations to have. The technology of the relay satellites enables intermediate storage of data, a higher bandwidth of data connections, and greater sky coverage. These satellites were originally placed in orbit as of 2008 for communication with the [[Shenzhou (spacecraft)|Shenzhou spacecraft]] of the [[Shenzhou program|manned space program]]. But they are also used for deep-space missions, for example in 2020 for the Mars mission [[Tianwen-1]], where the satellites Tianlian 1B and Tianlian 2A were parked for orbit tracking and the transmission of telemetry data from the probe. <ref>{{cite web|title=我国天基测控系统团队完成多项技术状态准备静待天问一号发射|periodical=xinhuanet.com|publisher=|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2020-07/21/c_1210712768.htm|url-status=|format=|access-date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=李国利、王然|date=2020-07-21|year=|language=zh|pages=|quote=}}</ref>
China has several [[relay satellite]]s of the [[Tianlian|Tianlian series]] in [[geostationary orbit]]s, which can relay data to each other and to the ground, thus enabling communication with spacecraft that have no direct contact with ground stations. The technology of the relay satellites enables intermediate storage of data, a higher bandwidth of data connections, and greater sky coverage. These satellites were originally placed in orbit in 2008 for communication with the [[Shenzhou (spacecraft)|Shenzhou spacecraft]] of [[Shenzhou program|the crewed space program]]. But they are also used for deep-space missions, for example in 2020 for the Mars mission [[Tianwen-1]], where the satellites Tianlian 1B and Tianlian 2A were parked for orbit tracking and the transmission of telemetry data from the probe.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Li|first1=Guoli|last2=Wang|first2=Ran|title=我国天基测控系统团队完成多项技术状态准备静待天问一号发射|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2020-07/21/c_1210712768.htm|date=2020-07-21|access-date=23 June 2021|language=zh|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722102311/http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2020-07/21/c_1210712768.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Moon missions ==
== Moon missions ==
{{main|Chinese Lunar Exploration Program}}
{{main|Chinese Lunar Exploration Program}}


* The [[Chang'e 1]] mission was remotely controlled from stations at [[Qingdao]] and [[Kashgar]], as the first use of the Chinese Deep Space Network. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMPM53Z28F_index_0.html | title = Chang'e-1 – new mission to Moon lifts off | publisher = [[European Space Agency]] | access-date=2007-10-24}}</ref>
* [[Chang'e 1]]: remotely controlled from stations at [[Qingdao]] and [[Kashgar]], as the first use of the Chinese Deep Space Network.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMPM53Z28F_index_0.html |title = Chang'e-1 – new mission to Moon lifts off |publisher = [[European Space Agency]] |date = 2007-10-24 |access-date = 2007-10-24 |archive-date = 16 October 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121016201933/http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMPM53Z28F_index_0.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
* The network was also used to track [[Chang'e 2]], first to Earth–Sun {{L2}} [[Lagrangian point]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/21/c_131152022.htm |title=China's second moon orbiter Chang'e-2 sends data from 1.7 mln km away}}</ref> and then to asteroid [[4179 Toutatis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/20120825-change-2-the-full-story.html |title=Chang'e 2: The Full Story |author=Bill Gray |date=25 Aug 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826144914/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/20120825-change-2-the-full-story.html |archivedate=2012-08-26 }}</ref>
* [[Chang'e 2]]: first to Earth–Sun {{L2}} [[Lagrange point]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/21/c_131152022.htm |title=China's second moon orbiter Chang'e-2 sends data from 1.7 mln km away|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=21 September 2011|access-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926131819/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-09/21/c_131152022.htm|archive-date=2011-09-26}}</ref> and then to the asteroid [[4179 Toutatis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/20120825-change-2-the-full-story.html |title=Chang'e 2: The Full Story |last=Gray |first=Bill |publisher=The Planetary Society|date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826144914/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/20120825-change-2-the-full-story.html |archive-date=2012-08-26 }}</ref>
* [[Chang'e 3]]
* [[Chang'e 3]]
* [[Chang'e 4]]
* [[Chang'e 4]]
* [[Chang'e 5-T1]]
* [[Chang'e 5]]
* [[Chang'e 5]]
* [[Chang'e 6]]


== Mars Mission ==
== Planetary missions ==
{{main|Tianwen-1}}
{{main|Planetary Exploration of China}}
The network is being used to track the ongoing Mars Mission [[Tianwen-1]].<ref name="AJ23July2020">{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Andrew|title=Tianwen-1 launches for Mars, marking dawn of Chinese interplanetary exploration |url=https://spacenews.com/tianwen-1-launches-for-mars-marking-dawn-of-chinese-interplanetary-exploration/|access-date=23 July 2020|work=SpaceNews|date=23 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Roulette|first1=Joey|title=Three countries are due to reach Mars in the next two weeks|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/5/22266752/uae-china-nasa-mars-missions|work=The Verge|access-date=7 February 2021|date=5 February 2021}}</ref>
* [[Tianwen-1]]: Ongoing Mars Mission.<ref name="AJ23July2020">{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Andrew|title=Tianwen-1 launches for Mars, marking dawn of Chinese interplanetary exploration|url=https://spacenews.com/tianwen-1-launches-for-mars-marking-dawn-of-chinese-interplanetary-exploration/|access-date=23 July 2020|magazine=SpaceNews|date=23 July 2020|archive-date=10 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110125542/https://spacenews.com/tianwen-1-launches-for-mars-marking-dawn-of-chinese-interplanetary-exploration/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roulette|first=Joey|title=Three countries are due to reach Mars in the next two weeks|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/5/22266752/uae-china-nasa-mars-missions|website=The Verge|access-date=7 February 2021|date=5 February 2021|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205181816/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/5/22266752/uae-china-nasa-mars-missions|url-status=live}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 93: Line 117:
* [[Chinese space program]]
* [[Chinese space program]]
** [[Chinese Lunar Exploration Program]]
** [[Chinese Lunar Exploration Program]]
** [[Planetary Exploration of China]]
** [[Tianwen-1]] - [[China National Space Administration|CNSA]] 2020 Mars mission
* [[European VLBI Network]]
* [[European VLBI Network]]
* [[History of spaceflight]]
* [[History of spaceflight]]
* [[Yuan Wang-class tracking ship]]
* [[Yuan Wang-class tracking ship|''Yuan Wang''-class tracking ship]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}{{-}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.evlbi.org/ Official website] of [[European VLBI Network]] (in English)

{{Chinese space facilities and organizations}}
{{Chinese space facilities and organizations}}
{{People's Liberation Army}}


[[Category:Deep Space Network]]
[[Category:Deep space networks]]
[[Category:Telemetry]]
[[Category:Radio astronomy]]
[[Category:Radio astronomy]]
[[Category:Space program of the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Space program of the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Telemetry]]
[[Category:People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force]]

Latest revision as of 17:55, 1 November 2024

Chinese Deep Space Network
Emblem of the People's Liberation Army
Active1993; 31 years ago (1993)
Country People's Republic of China
Allegiance Chinese Communist Party
Branch People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force
Part of People's Liberation Army
Chinese Deep Space Network is located in China
Kashi
Kashi
Jiamusi
Jiamusi
Kunming
Kunming
Ürümqi
Ürümqi
Miyun
Miyun
FAST
FAST
Qitai
Qitai
21CMA
21CMA
CSRH
CSRH
Tian Ma
Tian Ma
Sheshan
Sheshan
Chinese Deep Space Network and radioastronomy facilities in China   in use ·   planned ·   radioastronomy facility

The Chinese Deep Space Network (CDSN) is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that are used for radio astronomy, radar observations, and spacecraft missions of China. The CDSN is managed by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control Center General (CLTC) of the People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force Space Systems Department.[1][2][3][4]

The network was first needed for the lunar mission Chang'e 1,[5][6] and since has been used to support subsequent missions to the Moon and Mars such as Chang'e 5, and Tianwen-1 missions. Similar deep space networks are run by the United States, Russia, European countries, Japan, and India.

History

[edit]
Nanshan 25-meter radio telescope at Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO), Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In principle, a Chinese deep space network has existed since 1993 with the commissioning of the Nanshan 25-meter telescope in the mountains south of Ürümqi. The 25-meter antenna of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory was then not only able to participate in the Southern Hemisphere VLBI Experiment program, but also to form its own Chinese baseline together with Ürümqi and observe and measure distant objects.[citation needed]

All stations are equipped with high-precision hydrogen maser clocks and connected via powerful communication networks. All stations comply with the provisions of the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), so data exchange with the systems of other space agencies is possible despite different technical equipment.[citation needed]

The antennas of Sheshan, Ürümqi, Miyun, Kunming and Tianma can be interconnected to form a national association and in this way form the Chinese VLBI Network (CVN), a VLBI telescope the size of China. The evaluation of the data from the CVN takes place in the VLBI observation base Sheshan of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory. The facilities in Shanghai and Ürümqi are also integrated into the European VLBI Network (EVN).[citation needed]

Network

[edit]
Tianma 65-meter radio telescope at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO), Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In 2007, the network consisted of:

  • Ground control stations in Kashgar and Qingdao (in the Shandong province).
  • 18-meter antennas in Qingdao and Kashgar
  • A 50-meter antenna at Miyun (~116°E), near Beijing.
  • A 40-meter antenna in Yunnan (~101°E).

In 2012, improvements were made to support Chang'e 3 and Chang'e 4 Moon missions, including:[7]

  • Upgrades to the ground facilities at Kashgar and Qingdao, and a deep-space ground control station at Jiamusi.
  • A new 35-meter antenna at the Kashgar station.
  • A 64-meter antenna in Jiamusi. (~130°E)
The Espacio Lejano Station of the Chinese Deep Space Network.

In 2014, China and Argentina signed an agreement allowing China to construct the Espacio Lejano Station.[1][8] The station was built in Neuquén Province, Argentina (~70°W), with a 50 million-dollar investment. The facility, a part of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program,[9][10] was inaugurated in October 2017.[11] The station is seen by some as a symbol of China's increased role in South America's politics and economy.[12]

Since 2018, China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC) was a customer of the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which provided CLTC services, including TT&C for pre-defined civilian satellites within research, Earth observation and weather data as well as for other scientific spacecraft.[13] It was reported by Reuters on 21 September 2020 that SSC decided not to renew its contracts with China to help operate Chinese satellites from SSC's ground stations, or seek new business with China.[14]

In late 2020, the Kashgar ground station was upgraded from one single 35-meter antenna to an antenna array consisting of four 35-meter antennas. The capacity of the new system was equivalent to a 66-meter antenna.[15]

Systems for radio astronomy

[edit]
Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) as seen from above in 2020.
Primeval Structure Telescope (PaST), also called 21 Centimeter Array (21CMA).

Radio astronomy, despite using similar large antennas, is a very different field than spacecraft communication. There is no need to transmit, and the receiving bands are chosen for scientific interest.

  • The 15-meter radio telescope in Miyun was built in 1992 and used to study pulsars, but was dismantled around 2002 in favor of the 50-meter radio telescope.[16]
  • The Miyun Synthesis Radio Telescope (MSRT) is a telescope for observing solar activity and examines the frequency range of 232 MHz. It consists of 28 antennas with a diameter of 9 meters each with baselines between 18 m and 1164 m at intervals of 6 m and has been in operation since 1998.[17]
  • The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) is the radio telescope with the world's largest primary mirror. The total diameter of the immovable spherical main mirror is 500 meters; signals can be effectively received over an area with a diameter of 300 meters (aperture). FAST is mainly used for radio astronomy. However, FAST will play an important role in China's 2020 Mars mission, because of the frequency range of its receivers (70 MHz to 3 GHz). Any Mars landing, such as will be attempted by Tianwen-1, must decelerate from many times the speed of sound to 0 within 6–8 minutes,[18] so the frequency of the carrier wave of the telemetry signals in the X-band changes rapidly due to the Doppler effect. In the event of the sudden braking caused by opening the parachute, the regular deep-space stations will most likely lose contact with the probe. For backup, Mars landings therefore enlist the cooperation of radio astronomy facilities that can receive decimeter band (UHF) communication.[19][20][21][22]
  • Primeval Structure Telescope (PaST), also called 21 Centimetre Array (21CMA), in Ulastai, Xinjiang was completed in 2006. It was expanded in 2009 with new, low-noise amplifiers and better computer technology for evaluation. This remote valley array studies the low level emissions of neutral hydrogen from the hydrogen line.[23] The array consists of 81 groups (pods) with a total of 10287 antennas. These are arranged in two mutually perpendicular arms, one 6.1 km long in an east–west direction, the other 4 km long in a north–south direction. Each antenna has 16 dipoles with lengths between 0.242 and 0.829 meters and covers a frequency range from 50 to 200 MHz.[24]

Planned or under construction stations

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  • The Qitai Radio Telescope (QTT) is a planned 110-meter radio telescope to be built in Qitai County in Xinjiang, China. Upon completion, which is scheduled for 2023,[25] it will be the world's largest fully steerable single-dish radio telescope. It is intended to operate at 300 MHz to 117 GHz. The fully steerable dish of the QTT will allow it to observe 75% of the stars in the sky at any given time.[26] The QTT and the FAST, also located in China, can both observe frequencies in the "water hole" that has traditionally been favored by scientists engaged in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), meaning that each observatory could provide follow-up observations of putative signals from extraterrestrials detected in this quiet part of the radio spectrum at the other observatory.[27]

Relay satellites

[edit]

China has several relay satellites of the Tianlian series in geostationary orbits, which can relay data to each other and to the ground, thus enabling communication with spacecraft that have no direct contact with ground stations. The technology of the relay satellites enables intermediate storage of data, a higher bandwidth of data connections, and greater sky coverage. These satellites were originally placed in orbit in 2008 for communication with the Shenzhou spacecraft of the crewed space program. But they are also used for deep-space missions, for example in 2020 for the Mars mission Tianwen-1, where the satellites Tianlian 1B and Tianlian 2A were parked for orbit tracking and the transmission of telemetry data from the probe.[28]

Moon missions

[edit]

Planetary missions

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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