China
Seaborne tracking & control systems crucial in last orbital transfer
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Source: CCTV.com | 11-02-2007 09:17
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
The Chang'e One has successfully entered the earth-moon transfer orbit. During the last orbital transfer on Wednesday, seaborne tracking and control systems played key roles.
On Wednesday, the weather in the north-Pacific where the space survey ship "Yuanwang II" was located turned bad. Strong winds drove waves to over two meters high and rocked the ship. But surveyors caught sight of Chang'e One right after it appeared above sea level. In about 30 minutes, the ship controlled and operated the last orbital transfer together with "Yuanwang III".
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Wu Jingao, captain of Yuanwang II survey ship, said, "Our survey ship moved across the equator from the southern hemisphere to the northern one in six days. We carried out the remote tracking of the Long March 3A Rocket and satellite tracking of Chang'e One. The most important task was enacting three orbital transfers at the perigee. By far our mission has been successfully accomplished."
In the coming days, Yuanwang III will finish the task of the orbital correction of Chang'e-1 and control the satellite's entrance into the circumlunar orbit.
Since the satellite entered the earth-moon transfer orbit on Wednesday, every moment has been a milestone for China's space industry. The Chinese space exploration probe has reached new heights. And according to scientists' highly accurate calculations, the Chang'e One will not meet any meteors on its way to the Moon further ensuring the safety of the orbiter.
Editor:Zhang Ning
