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BEIJING, Apr 26 China plans to build a prototype deep space satellite constellation project by 2030, reports Wednesday, Xinhua News Agency cited Wu Yanhua, chief designer of a special project under the Chinese deep space exploration program.
According to the agency, we are talking about a project called «Queqiao» («Magpie Bridge»). It will be implemented in three stages.
As part of the first stage, according to the tasks set, approximately by 2030, an experimental model of the project will be created, which will contribute to the fulfillment of tasks in within the framework of the Chinese program for the exploration of the moon and the construction of the International Lunar Research Station.
At the second stage in 2040, the basic model of the project will provide services for manned exploration of the Moon and sounding of Mars and Venus. An extended project model is expected to be created closer to 2050. It will provide navigation and communications services to spacecraft on Mars and Venus, as well as promote exploration of giant planets and the outskirts of the solar system.
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