On a bright spring day, Chinese scientists did the unthinkable—successfully beaming a laser to the Moon and back, all in broad daylight. The feat marks a major step forward in lunar navigation and space communications.
Laser Signal Travels 130,000 Kilometres to Moon
China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) fired a precision laser from Earth to the Moon, reaching 130,000 kilometres. The signal returned successfully despite strong sunlight. The test used the Tiandu-1 satellite, which was stationed one-third of the way to the Moon.
The experiment, conducted between April 26 and 27, was the first-ever successful daytime Earth-to-Moon laser-ranging trial. Until now, sunlight interference made this technology viable only at night. Scientists achieved accuracy within centimetres—setting a new standard for future operations.
The state-run Xinhua agency reported this advance as a step towards China’s planned crewed lunar mission by 2030. The technology is expected to help track satellites, landers and rovers with improved precision.
Boost for China’s Lunar Missions and Deep Space Plans
Laser ranging helps with pinpoint orbital measurements and precise communication. This success improves the Queqiao constellation’s function, which supports Moon-bound missions. It acts as a navigation, timing, and relay network for lunar equipment and astronauts.
The ability to fire lasers during daylight enhances round-the-clock data collection. It could support better rover fleet coordination, improve landing accuracy and guide missions into permanently shadowed craters on the Moon.
These deep craters are believed to hold water ice—a vital resource for future long-term exploration. China’s success not only supports its 2030 lunar goals but also boosts its broader plans in deep space research.
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