China is gearing up for a historic moment as the Chang’e-6 lunar probe is set to launch between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. this Friday, with an optimal window at 5:27 p.m., according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
This pioneering mission marks the first time humanity will collect and return samples from the moon's enigmatic far side. Powered by the Long March-5 Y8 carrier rocket, which is being fueled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen cryogenic propellant, Chang’e-6 embarks on an 11-phase journey to achieve its ambitious goals.
Lu Yuntong from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation outlined the mission's intricate steps. Initially, the probe will launch into orbit aboard the Long March-5 Y8 rocket before setting course for the moon. Upon approaching the lunar vicinity, the probe will slow down to enter a circumlunar orbit. The lander and ascender duo will then make their historic landing on the far side of the moon.
Once the sampling is complete, the ascender will lift off from the moon, rendezvous with the orbiter-returner combination, and transfer the collected samples. The returner will then journey back to Earth, re-entering the atmosphere in a semi-ballistic skip maneuver to land in the designated Siziwang Banner area.
The Chang’e-6 mission builds upon the successful methods of Chang’e-5, utilizing both drilling for subsurface samples and scooping surface materials to obtain a diverse range of samples from varying depths. Additionally, the mission includes scientific exploration of the far side, focusing on the South Pole-Aitken basin—the moon's oldest and largest crater, which holds immense scientific value.
Hu Zhenyu, head of the engineering and technical team for the Chang’e-6 launch site, emphasized the mission's significance in enhancing humanity's comprehensive understanding of the moon. The findings are expected to deepen research into the moon's origin and evolution, planetary development, and the broader origins of the Solar System.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
