Imagine trying to film a rapidly falling object from space. As physics dictates, the velocity of an object in freefall increases with time, making the process difficult to capture in its entirety.
China’s upcoming Chang’e-6 mission, set to collect and return samples from the far side of the moon, faces this very challenge. Ensuring that the returner’s descent is meticulously recorded requires advanced technology and precise coordination.
Building on the success of the Chang’e-5 mission, which successfully returned lunar samples in 2020, engineers are developing innovative methods to capture the returner’s rapid descent. One approach involves deploying a network of high-resolution cameras and trajectory measurement devices strategically positioned around the anticipated landing site.
“By setting up multiple observation points within a specific radius of the landing zone, we can track and film the returner as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere,” explained an official from the landing site’s trajectory measurement team. “These devices are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors capable of capturing every detail of the return process.”
This technology not only provides valuable data for the mission but also offers the global audience a unique glimpse into the re-entry phase of space exploration missions. The ability to live-stream such events enhances transparency and fosters greater interest in space science.
As China continues to advance its lunar exploration endeavors, the innovations developed for Chang’e-6 are expected to set new benchmarks in capturing high-speed aerospace events. This progress underscores the nation’s commitment to contributing to humanity’s understanding of the moon and beyond.
Reference(s):
Unraveling Chang'e-6: How did they get images of the falling returner?
cgtn.com
