2024.06.02 16:59 GMT+8

China's Chang'e-6 probe lands on far side of moon in sample return mission

Updated 2024.06.02 16:59 GMT+8
CGTN

China's Chang'e-6 probe's lander-ascender combination succeeded in landing at a pre-designated landing zone on the far side of the moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin at 6:23 a.m. Beijing Time on June 2, with the help of the Queqiao-2 relay satellite.

The lander-ascender combination began to descend toward the moon at 6:09 a.m. The 7,500-newton-thrust engine was activated, gradually reducing its flying speed. During the descent, the combination rapidly adjusted its position and continued approaching the lunar surface.

Using the autonomous Visual Obstacle Avoidance System and a visible light camera, it automatically detected a relatively safe landing point and hovered for a short time at a position of about 100 meters above the area. It then began to accurately detect potential obstacles before continuing to descend at a slower speed. At the final moment, the engine stopped and the combination touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin by using its buffer system.

After the probe landed on the moon, the lander began to carry out status inspections. The solar arrays and the communications antenna will be deployed and can directly transmit signals to the Queqiao-2 relay satellite. Scientists on the ground can receive and send instructions to the spacecraft on the far side of the moon, with the help of Queqiao-2. Later, the probe will start to collect lunar samples for about two days.

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