Beijing, May 08, 2024, The Europe Today: In a significant milestone for China’s lunar exploration program, the Chang’e-6 lunar probe has achieved a crucial advancement by entering its circumlunar orbit, as announced by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Wednesday.
According to reports from the CNSA, at 10:12 a.m. Beijing Time on Wednesday, Chang’e-6 executed a successful near-moon braking maneuver, a pivotal orbital control procedure essential for its mission. This maneuver effectively reduced the probe’s relative speed to below the lunar escape velocity, enabling it to be captured by the moon’s gravitational pull and commence its trajectory around the lunar surface.
Supported by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, Chang’e-6 is poised to undertake further orbital adjustments in terms of altitude and inclination as it orbits the moon. Additionally, the mission will meticulously determine the optimal timing for the separation of the orbiter-returner combination from the lander-ascender combination, marking another crucial phase in the probe’s mission objectives.
The forthcoming stage of the mission will see the lander-ascender combination embark on a pioneering soft landing within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a strategic location on the far side of the moon. This phase is integral to Chang’e-6’s overarching objective of conducting sampling and return operations, offering unprecedented insights into lunar geology and composition.
The successful entry of Chang’e-6 into circumlunar orbit underscores China’s continued prowess and commitment to advancing space exploration endeavors. As the mission progresses, anticipation mounts for the groundbreaking scientific discoveries and technological achievements that lie ahead, further cementing China’s status as a key player in the global space exploration arena.
With each stride forward in its lunar exploration ambitions, China reaffirms its dedication to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos. As Chang’e-6 embarks on its next phase of exploration, the world eagerly awaits the revelations and advancements that will emerge from this remarkable endeavor.
