China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully entered a stable orbit around the moon, marking a significant milestone in its mission to explore the lunar surface. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Wednesday that Chang'e-6 completed a near-moon braking maneuver at 10:12 a.m. Beijing Time, effectively reducing its speed below the moon's escape velocity and allowing lunar gravity to capture it into a circumlunar orbit.
During its journey, Chang'e-6 performed the crucial near-moon braking procedure, a process that decelerates the probe to ensure it remains within the moon's gravitational pull. This maneuver is essential for maintaining a stable orbit, enabling the mission to proceed with its planned scientific and exploratory activities.
Communication with the lunar probe is being maintained through the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, ensuring continuous data transmission and control commands. With this vital link established, Chang'e-6 will begin adjusting its orbit's altitude and inclination to prepare for the next phase of the mission.
Once optimal orbital conditions are achieved, the mission will separate the orbiter-returner module from the lander-ascender module. The lander-ascender combination is set to perform a soft landing within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the moon's largest and most geologically significant impact basins. Here, Chang'e-6 will conduct a sampling mission, collecting lunar material from the far side of the moon to be returned to Earth for analysis.
Reference(s):
China's Chang'e-6 enters lunar orbit after near-moon braking
cgtn.com
