Tiandu-1

This article is edited from: Shangguan Yong, Zheng Peng, Zhang Hua, et al. Research on the Current Status and Technical Development of Cislunar Space Navigation[J]. Journal of Telemetry and Remote Sensing, 2026.

This article author: 天疆说

This article source: https://cislunarspace.cn

Overview

Tiandu-1 is a communication and navigation technology experimental satellite of China's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory. On April 27, 2025, Tiandu-1 successfully conducted a cislunar space laser ranging test under daytime strong light interference conditions. This was the world's first successful satellite laser ranging operation targeting a new-generation cislunar space laser corner reflector during daytime.

Technical Breakthrough

This achievement marks a new technological breakthrough for China in the field of deep space orbital precision measurement, providing key data support and technical assurance for the research and development of core technologies such as spacecraft orbit maintenance, orbit control, and autonomous navigation in complex gravitational field environments. It lays a solid technical foundation for the continuous advancement and in-depth development of China's subsequent deep space exploration missions.

Significance

Tiandu-1 verified the feasibility of achieving high-precision laser measurement in cislunar space. Combined with DRO three-satellite constellation networking, it jointly promotes the development of cislunar space navigation technology.

References

  • Shangguan Yong, Zheng Peng, Zhang Hua, et al. Research on the Current Status and Technical Development of Cislunar Space Navigation[J]. Journal of Telemetry and Remote Sensing, 2026.
  • Zhao Hanbin. China Achieves First Cislunar Space Orbital Satellite Laser Ranging[N]. Science and Technology Daily, 2025-04-25(3).