China's Tiandu-1 satellite has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in space exploration by becoming the first spacecraft to enter a 3-to-1 Earth-moon resonant orbit, the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory announced on Tuesday. The orbital maneuver completed on May 22 positions the probe in a unique gravitational dance, circling Earth three times for every single lunar orbit.
This petal-shaped trajectory, requiring minimal energy to maintain, offers unprecedented opportunities to study spacecraft navigation in complex gravitational environments. Scientists emphasize the orbit's mechanical stability could revolutionize future infrastructure development between Earth and the moon.
Launched in March 2024 alongside the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, Tiandu-1 has already conducted multiple technology tests. Its extended mission will now focus on verifying navigation and communication systems critical for establishing an Earth-moon constellation network – a key enabler for China's long-term lunar exploration ambitions.
The achievement underscores China's growing capabilities in deep space exploration, with flight data expected to inform next-generation missions. Researchers highlight potential applications in lunar base construction and interplanetary travel, positioning the resonant orbit technology as a cornerstone for humanity's expanding presence in cislunar space.
