At 8:31 am on Mar 20, the Long March 8 Yao-3 carrier rocket ignited and soared into the sky at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, successfully placing the Magpie Bridge-2 relay satellite, Tiandu-1, and Tiandu-2 technical test satellites into their designated orbits in a single launch.

The relay satellite of Magpie Bridge-2 [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

In this launch mission, from the integrated communication equipment building, the "lifeline" of the aerospace telemetry and communication, to the construction of the S-band ground measurement system forming the "highway" for rocket data transmission, and the sensors and converters (two instruments) enabling the rocket to have "sensations," all these key technical components were provided by E-Town Smart Manufacturing.

Among the three satellites launched this time, the Magpie Bridge-2 relay satellite is a crucial part of the follow-up project of the Lunar Exploration Phase IV, which will set up a new "Magpie Bridge" between Earth and the Moon, providing inter-satellite communication for missions such as Chang'e-4 and Chang'e-6. 

Meanwhile, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, as the precursor satellites of the Magpie Bridge comprehensive navigation and guidance system, will validate key technologies such as high-precision orbit determination and high-speed telemetry in lunar orbit.

According to the head of the aerospace rocket company, their independently developed integrated communication equipment is an important payload of Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 technical test satellites, serving as the most critical equipment for communication between the Tiandu twin stars.

Furthermore, the Beidou satellite navigation receiver provided by the aerospace rocket company is an essential component of the Long March 8 Yao-3 carrier rocket's control and telemetry systems, providing high-precision position information for the rocket.