China
Chang´e One to make 2 critical maneuvers
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Source: CCTV.com | 11-01-2007 09:28
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
Chang'e One was first launched to the Earth Orbit because of the limited capabilities of the Long March 3 carrier rocket. If the satellite was directly launched to the Earth-moon Orbit, a much bigger rocket and budget would have been needed.
The optimum time for a spacecraft to enter the Earth-Moon orbit comes only once a month. To ensure the Chang-e One could grab the chance, the probe was launched early and waited for three days in the Earth's orbit.
On November 5th, Chang'e One will decelerate in order to enter the moon's orbit. If it fails to do so, it will either fly past the moon or crash onto it. This is another critical point that could determine the success of Chang'e One's mission.
If everything goes as planned, Chang'e One will enter its working position a 2-hour, 200 kilometer orbit around the Moon on November 7th.
On November 18th, the probe will relay its first picture of the moon back to Earth, and all the equipment it carries will start to work.
Editor:Zhang Ning
