Chang´e I reaches moon orbit

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-05-2007 13:40

The CCTV footage shows that China's first lunar probe Chang'e-1 successfully completed its first braking at perilune and enters the moon's orbit Monday morning, Nov. 5, 2007. (Photo: CCTV.com)

China's first lunar probe, Chang'e-One, has reached the moon's orbit. Scientists at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center made the satellite slow down enabling it to be captured by lunar gravity. The success of the maneuver, which happened just a few minutes ago, means the orbiter is now China's first circumlunar satellite.

Chang'e One was traveling at a speed of 2.4 kilometers per second at around 11:15 a.m., Beijing time Monday when it reached the point in the lunar orbit nearest to the moon.

Scientists then slowed down the satellite to a speed of 2.1 kilometers per second. The probe was captured by the Moon's gravity and successfully entered the 12-hour lunar orbit after a 22-minute maneuver.

Scientists say working the brakes of the probe is vital and technically difficult as they need to turn around the orbiter to achieve it.

Wang Yejuan, chief engineer Beijing Aerospace Control Center, said, "We need to make the satellite perform a U-turn. To slow it down, we have to make sure that the engine on the orbiter can be reversed when igniting."

In addition to the performance of a 180 degree rotation of the satellite, scientists say timing of the control is also key to its success.