Chinese satellites Probe-I and Probe-II have been working smoothly in orbit. It is China?痵 new generation space measuring and control system that makes smooth data transmission possible. Having been in operation for more than one year, the new system marks a new leap of China?痵 space measuring and control capability from near-earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit, and further to superhigh oval orbit.
According to a briefing, before the implementation of the dual-satellite project, China?痵 space control network was designed to work with satellites in near-earth and geosynchronous orbit. The dual-satellite probe project is made up of six-point earth-space environment probing, the first of its kind in human history. However, the orbit altitude of Probe-II satellite doubles that of a geosynchronous satellite, and thus doubles the designed range of the existing measuring equipment. To address greatly extended ranging demand, researchers rationalized the configuration of ground control facilities, readjusted equipment parameters, and worked out better system design plan and associated measures. These efforts successfully enhanced the control reliability in weak signal environment. In the course of dual-satellite control, researchers also found effective solutions to two major technical difficulties: risky sea based satellite orbit entry control and followed tracking control. |