China's Earth-moon space constellation pioneers multidisciplinary research

China has established the world's first three-satellite constellation based on the Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) in Earth-moon space, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in scientific research and space exploration across multiple fields.

The Earth-moon space, spanning up to 2 million kilometers from Earth, serves as a strategic zone for lunar resource development and deep-space exploration. China's efforts in this area began in 2017 with preliminary research and technological advancements, culminating in the successful launch and networking of three satellites in 2024, including DRO-A and DRO-B entering the DRO.

"DRO is one of the most stable types of orbits in Earth-moon space. Its stability makes it an ideal 'laboratory' or 'lighthouse' in space, allowing satellites to remain in position for extended periods," said Zhang Hao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' (CAS) Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization.

Currently, the constellation has achieved several breakthroughs, including a low-energy transfer to DRO using only one-fifth of the fuel required by traditional methods.

"These satellites can help these spacecraft accurately determine their positions in the vast ocean of the Earth-moon space. This way, they can better carry out their missions," said Mao Xinyuan, an associate researcher at the center.

It has also established the world's first 1.17 million-kilometer K-band inter-satellite microwave measurement and communication link.

Additionally, the satellites have validated a new satellite-tracking-satellite orbit determination system, reducing the cost of orbit determination for spacecraft in Earth-moon space.

Wang Wenbin, a researcher at the center, highlighted the significance of these achievements.

"This is the first time we have used satellite-to-satellite tracking instead of ground-based tracking. It transforms traditional ground stations into low-orbit satellites, providing a new technical pathway for future Earth-moon and deep-space exploration. This will support various orbit determination, navigation, and timing needs in Earth-moon space and offer efficient solutions for large-scale commercial activities in Earth-moon space in the future for our country," said Wang.

China's Earth-moon space constellation pioneers multidisciplinary research

Representatives from China and France expressed a strong commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors during an economic and trade forum in Lyon, France, on Thursday.

The event took place at the Chinese Consulate General in Lyon, bringing together scholars and representatives from business, finance, tourism, and other key sectors of both countries.

Lyon, a major industrial and economic hub in central France, has long served as a key player in China-France cooperation. Many attendees highlighted the city's historical and contemporary role in strengthening bilateral ties.

"The cooperation between Lyon and China has a long history, dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road. Today, the newly established Sino-French Institute in Lyon further deepens mutual understanding between our peoples," said Philippe Valentin, president of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

French business representatives see immense potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations.

"China is today, I would say, the top in terms of automotive, in terms of innovation and new patents. And we are also looking for a lot of different skills and innovation to develop our development and collaboration in China," said Herve Vericel, vice president of Business Development and Advanced Engineering of Saint Jean Industries.

Chinese participants also expressed confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation.

"From aviation and sustainable development to infrastructure, China and France not only share extensive common interests, but also have their distinct advantages," said Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Yu Jiang, consul general of China in Lyon, underscored the growing momentum of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries will become faster and more frequent, making our friendship stronger and more enduring," he said.

Lyon trade forum highlights deepening China-France cooperation