Queqiao, a relay satellite for the Chang'e 4 lunar probe, together with two microsatellites developed by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), successfully lifted off from a launch center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan province at 5:28 am, May 21.

Carried by a Long March 4 rocket, Queqiao, and two microsatellites –– "Longjiang 1" and "Longjiang 2" –– entered the halo orbit of the Earth-Moon Lagrange Point L2 25 minutes later.

Over the following months, "Longjiang 1" will complete an earth-moon transfer, and "Longjiang 2" will complete braking at perilune –– the point at which a spacecraft in orbit is closest to the moon.

Upon completion, Harbin Institute of Technology will be the first university in the world to send microsatellites into lunar orbit.

A Long March 4 rocket carrying the relay satellite for the Chang'e 4 lunar probe and two microsatellites is launched in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan province at 5:28 am, May 21. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Two microsatellites, "Longjiang 1" and "Longjiang 2", on display before being launched into space. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Two microsatellites, "Longjiang 1" and "Longjiang 2", on display before being launched into space. [Photo/Chinanews.com]