China space control juggling with at least three space missions since Chang’e 5 launch

Since the launch of the Chang’e 5 probe on November 24, 2020, Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Centre has found itself having to monitor the progress of “quite a few” spacecraft, including the lunar lander and rover of Chang’e 4 and the Tianwen 1 probe heading to Mars. The first module of the Tiangong space station, which is planned to be launched in 2021, will add to the list of spacecraft controlled from the Beijing centre.