The ascending module of China’s Chang’e-6 probe lifted off from the lunar surface on Tuesday, carrying the first samples to be brought to Earth collected on the far side of the satellite.
The ascending module has entered a pre-established orbit around the Moon, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said, cited by Xinhua.
The Chang’e-6 probe, which comprises an orbiter, a lander, an ascender module and a return module, like its predecessor, Chang’e-5, was launched on May 3. Its lander and ascender combination touched down at the designated landing area in the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA) on June 2.
The spacecraft finished its sampling work with a new intelligent method – which allowed the probe to execute instructions and make decisions autonomously – and faster, -14 hours compared to 22 for Chang-e’5- and the Samples were stored in a container inside the probe’s ascender module as planned, the CNSA said.
During sampling and packaging, researchers carried out simulated sampling in a ground laboratory, based on detection data sent by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, providing important support for decision-making and operations in each link.
“The mission has withstood the test of high temperatures on the far side of the Moon,” the CNSA said.
It adopted two lunar sampling methods, including using a drill to collect subsurface samples and taking samples on the surface with a robotic arm. Automatically collected various samples at different sites.
The multiple payloads installed on the lander, including the landing camera, panoramic camera, lunar soil structure detector, and lunar mineral spectrum analyzer, performed well and carried out scientific exploration as planned, CNSA said.
The lunar soil structure detector analyzed and evaluated the underground lunar soil structure of the sampling area, providing reference data for sample drilling.
After the sampling was completed, a Chinese national flag carried by the lander was displayed for the first time on the far side of the Moon.
Unlike takeoff on Earth, the ascender module could not rely on a launch tower system. The lander acted as a temporary “launch pad.”
AUTONOMOUS TAKEOFF CONTROL
The launch of the Chang’e-6 probe from the far side of the Moon cannot copy the ascent of Chang’e-5 from the near side of the Moon, since it cannot directly receive ground control and support. . It used its special sensors to achieve autonomous positioning and orientation, assisted by Queqiao-2 for communication.
Compared with Chang’e-5, Chang’e-6 has seen improvements in the autonomy and reliability of its navigation, guidance and control system, in order to address the challenges posed by uncertainties on the hidden from the Moon during its takeoff and ascent, said Qiao Dezhi, a space expert at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
The control system of Chang’e-6 has also been improved to increase its autonomy, allowing it to complete lunar takeoff and ascent with reduced dependence on the Queqiao-2 relay satellite and ground support, Huang said. Hao, another CASC space expert.
