China
Successful braking of Chang´e one: Breakthrough for China´s space industry
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 11-06-2007 08:57
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
Full Video: 11/05 Press Conf. on Chang´e 1 (Part I) (Part II)
China's first lunar probe, Chang'e-One, is now orbiting the moon. Scientists at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center instructed the satellite to brake Monday, enabling it to be captured by lunar gravity.
Chang'e One was traveling at a speed of 2.4 kilometers per second at around 11:15 a.m., Beijing time Monday when it reached perilune.
Scientists then slowed the satellite down to 2.1 kilometers per second. The probe was captured by the Moon's gravity and entered the 12-hour lunar orbit after a 22-minute maneuver.
Scientists say the success of the braking procedure is significant to China's space industry.
