China has announced the successful launch of its latest lunar probe, the Chang’e-6, on Friday. The spacecraft reached the planned orbit and is embarking on its weeks-long journey to the moon.
The probe aims to bring back 2 kilograms of samples from the far side of the moon, a feat that has never been accomplished before. In 2020, China retrieved samples from the near side of the moon with the Chang’e-5 mission.
The launch comes just days after China’s manned space program launched the Shenzhou-18 mission, sending three taikonauts to the China Space Station.
Long March-5 Rocket Enhanced for Chang’e-6 Mission
The Long March-5 Y8 rocket, carrying the Chang’e-6 probe, blasted off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China’s Hainan Province.
“This Long March-5 rocket can haul a heavier probe,” said Li Pingqi of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. He noted that the Chang’e-6 probe is 100 kilograms heavier than its predecessor, making it the heaviest probe for China’s deep space missions. “Going to a lunar transfer orbit with an increase of 100 kg is a considerable upgrade for our rocket.”
Li also mentioned that the mission requires a strict launch window, with a width of 50 minutes each day for two consecutive days.
Compared to the Chang’e-5 mission rocket, the Long March-5 Y8 rocket for the Chang’e-6 mission has its reliability index increased from 0.86 to 0.93.
Probe Geared for Lunar Far Side Mission
Unlike the Chang’e-5 sample return mission, the Chang’e-6 probe faces different terrain. To retrieve samples from the less-explored far side of the moon, it needs a relay satellite for communication and must be more efficient and time-sensitive.
“Though the far side of the moon is more rugged, we can choose a relatively better place to land,” said Lu Yuntong at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Reference(s):
A successful launch: China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe heads to the moon
cgtn.com
