The Chinese Deep Space Network is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that supports the lunar and interplanetary spacecraft missions of China is managed by the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC). The network was first needed for the lunar mission Chang'e 1, but will be used to support future missions to the moon and Mars. Similar networks are run by the USA, Russia, Europe, Japan, and India.
Contents
Network
As of 2007, the network consisted of:
Planned improvements by 2012, to support Chang'e 3 and Chang'e 4, include:
By 2016, the intent is to construct an additional ground station in South America, in the Neuquen province of Argentina (~70°W), with a 50 million-dollar investment. The facility, a part of China's Lunar Exploration Program.
Uses
The network was used to track Chang'e 2, first to L2 and then to asteroid Toutatis.