China
Chang´e One to perform scientific exploration
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Source: CCTV.com | 11-08-2007 09:36
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
The Chang'e One has now completed its journey of 1.5 million kilometers to the moon. It entered its final orbit on Wednesday morning, after executing another difficult maneuver.
Following instructions from the Beijing Aerospace Control Center, the probe started its third braking at around 8:20am Beijing time on Wednesday. The probe's speed was reduced to 1.59 kilometers per second. The maneuver was completed successfully at 11:20 am when it entered a 127-minute orbit. The orbit is the final destination of the probe, where it will perform scientific exploration tasks.
Experts say there is still much to do before the lunar orbiter starts working.
Chen Bingzhong, Vice General Designer of Chang'e One Project said "We still have something important to do next. We must further adjust the orbiter's posture of circling the moon. And then we will have to build a lot more connections between the probe and the ground control system. So we still need to focus on our work."
