China's Chang'e-6 probe successfully enters lunar orbit, initiates preparations for Moon landing
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Chang'e-6 Enters Lunar Orbit
China's Chang'e-6 probe has achieved a significant milestone by successfully entering a stable orbit around the moon after completing a crucial near-moon braking procedure.
Braking Burn Execution
The probe executed the braking burn on Wednesday, effectively reducing its relative speed to below the moon's escape velocity, allowing the moon's gravity to capture it into a circumlunar orbit.
Key Step in Lunar Exploration
This near-moon braking manoeuvre marks a pivotal step in Chang'e-6's journey towards exploring the lunar far side, as it paves the way for subsequent mission phases.
Orbital Adjustment Phase
With support from the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, Chang'e-6 will now focus on adjusting the altitude and inclination of its orbit around the moon to achieve optimal parameters.
Mission Progression
Following successful orbital adjustments, the mission will advance to the next phase, involving the separation of the orbiter-returner combination from the lander-ascender module.
Landing and Sampling Objectives
The lander-ascender unit is slated to attempt a soft landing within the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon, where it will conduct sampling and return operations.
Part of Lunar Exploration Program
Chang'e-6 is part of China's broader lunar exploration initiative aimed at establishing a permanent presence on the moon, following the successful Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.
Future Missions
China's lunar exploration program will continue with the Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions, targeting the lunar south pole in the upcoming years.
Contribution to Long-Term Goals
The successful entry into lunar orbit signifies a critical milestone for Chang'e-6, contributing valuable data and experience towards China's objective of building an International Lunar Research Station on the moon's surface.