Blastoff! China’s Long March 8 launches relay satellite on moon mission

China’s Long March 8 rocket launched the Queqiao-2 relay satellite into Earth-Moon transfer orbit from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on March 20, 2024. “Queqiao-2 will serve as a relay platform for the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program, providing communications services for the Chang’e-4, Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8 missions,“ according to China Central Television. Credit: | footage courtesy: China Central Television (CCTV) | edited by Steve Spaleta ()