Chang'e-5 orbiter-returner separates from ascender, waiting to go home

A simulated illustration of Chang'e-5 probe's orbiter-returner's separation from the ascender on the moon orbit, December 6, 2020. /CNSA

The orbiter-returner of China's Chang'e-5 probe has separated from the ascender, waiting for the right time to return to Earth with lunar samples, the China National Space Administration announced on Sunday.

The separation took place on the moon orbit at 12:35 p.m BJT.

The Chang'e-5 probe's returner will fly back to Earth with about 2 kilograms of moon samples via the Earth-moon transfer orbit. After reenterring the atmosphere, it will land in Siziwang Banner of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

A simulated illustration of Chang'e-5's exit route from the moon. /CNSA

CGTN's special coverage of the Chang'e-5 mission