China’s shoots laser from 1.30 lakh km away on the moon, achieves milestone

China has achieved an unprecedented milestone in space research by successfully sending a laser beam from Earth to the Moon 1,30,000 km away during broad daylight, which is nearly impossible due to interference from sunlight. Until now, this technology had only been effective during nighttime conditions.

This world-first achievement was accomplished by China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL). 

Experts believe this success will play a crucial role in China’s ambitious plan to land a manned spacecraft on the Moon by 2030.

The breakthrough was made using China’s Tiandu-1 satellite, which is currently positioned about one-third of the way between Earth and the Moon. DSEL fired highly precise laser pulses from Earth to Tiandu-1, achieving what is now known as ‘daylight laser ranging’.

This breakthrough is expected to transform the future of space exploration, space missions, and interplanetary travel.

Thousands of man-made satellites currently orbit Earth and are essential for various scientific, navigational, and communication purposes.

Laser-ranging technology, which allows for centimeter-level accuracy in tracking and orbit determination, had so far been limited to nighttime use due to sunlight interference.

Now that laser communication has proven successful even in daylight, China will be able to gather space data around the clock by maintaining laser contact with Tiandu-1.

How will this new laser technology be useful?

This technique, known as laser communication or optical communication, is 10 to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency-based systems. It enables high-speed data transfer, which will be especially useful for:

Real-time communication between astronauts and Earth-based research centers

Enhanced navigation and landing accuracy for spacecraft

Improved coordination of lunar missions

Easier exploration of ice-rich craters on the Moon's permanently shadowed regions

With this achievement, China has taken a significant leap forward in deep space communication and lunar exploration, positioning itself as a global leader in next-generation space technology.