China
Chang´e One enters final working orbit successfully
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Source: CCTV.com | 11-08-2007 08:45
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
China's first lunar probe, Chang'e One, has successfully completed its journey of 1.5-million-kilometers to the moon's orbit. It entered its final working orbit Wednesday morning after completing a third braking maneuver.
This afternoon, the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense will hold a news conference to give details about the current progress of the mission.
Following instructions from the Beijing Aerospace Control Center, the probe started its third braking at around 8:20am Beijing time on Wednesday. The probe's speed was reduced to 1.59 kilometers per second. It then entered a 127-minute orbit.
The orbit is the final destination of the probe, where it will perform scientific exploration tasks.
Zhang Jianqi, Researcher of Chang'e One Lunar Exploration Project said "According to statistics received by the Center, the satellite system is functioning well. Control of its trajectory has also been highly precise."
Chang'e One was originally designed to stay in the orbit for one year, but researchers estimate fuel saved by smooth operations and precise maneuvers may prolong its life span.
The probe is expected to fulfill four scientific objectives, including a three-dimensional survey of the moon's surface, analysis of the abundance and distribution of elements on the moon, an investigation of the lunar regolith and the powdery soil layer, and an exploration of the relationship between the Earth and the moon.
Editor:Xiong Qu
