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China’s lunar probe Chang’e-5 successfully completed its second braking at 8:23 pm Sunday (BJT), entering a circular lunar orbit 200 kilometers above the moon and preparing for the landing operation, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
This follows its first braking a day earlier, which occurred at a position about 400 kilometers above the moon and which allowed it to be captured by the moon’s gravitational field and to fly in an elliptical lunar orbit.
Read more: China’s Chang’e-5 moon probe successfully brakes for lunar orbit
The second braking brings it closer to the moon. Over the next week, the spacecraft, made up of four parts – the orbiter, lander, elevator, and re-entry module – will perform more complicated tasks with a tight schedule.
The four parts will separate into two pairs. The lander and elevator will travel to the moon and receive samples, while the orbiter and re-entry module will continue to fly around the moon and adjust to a designated orbit, preparing for docking with the elevator.
Read More: The Chang’e-5 Chinese Lunar Mission explained in the graphic
Since its launch on Tuesday, the Chang’e-5 probe has flown for five days. He completed the orbital corrections on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, so he can stay on track.
Read more: China successfully launches Chang’e-5 to collect lunar samples
The Chinese Chang’e-5 probe completes the second orbital correction
(CGTN’s Geng Xiuhui also contributed to the story.)
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