China’s Ingenious ‘Gravity Slingshot’ Technique Saves Stranded Moon Satellites

Last year, China faced a setback when its satellites, DRO-A and DRO-B, failed to reach their intended orbit around the moon. After launching in March 2024 on a Long March-2C rocket, a problem with the upper stage meant the satellites drifted off course, risking years of effort and investment.

“It would have been a big loss for our team,” said Zhang Hao, one of the engineers involved. After failing to establish contact, the team worked hard to find the satellites, which were spinning closer to Earth than expected.

To fix this, the team split into two groups. One focused on slowing down the satellites using their thrusters, while the other mapped out a path to guide them back on track. However, the satellites were partially damaged, limiting their sunlight and power. So, they devised a clever solution: using the gravity of Earth, the moon, and the sun to create a gravitational slingshot effect, effectively propelling the satellites where they needed to go.

This intricate maneuver took 123 days to complete. “Trade time for energy,” explained CSU researcher Mao Xinyuan. “It was necessary to save power.” By mid-July 2024, the satellites had returned to their proper orbit, and six weeks later, they emitted signals confirming their positions.

Now, DRO-A and DRO-B work alongside another satellite, DRO-L, originally launched into low Earth orbit. Together, they act as “lighthouses in space.” Thanks to their positioning, locating a spacecraft now takes just three hours, a significant improvement compared to the two days traditional methods required.

This operation highlights the resilience and ingenuity of China’s space scientists. As space exploration intensifies globally, such innovations will be crucial. The success not only demonstrates China’s growing presence in space technology but also sets a precedent for how to tackle future challenges in orbit.

As of 2023, the global space industry continues to expand, with many countries investing heavily in similar technologies. According to a 2022 report by the Space Foundation, the global space economy reached nearly $500 billion, reflecting a booming interest in satellite technology and interplanetary missions.

With each successful mission, we move closer to understanding our universe better, paving the way for future discoveries and innovations.

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