China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has successfully entered orbit around the moon, performing a daring 'near-moon braking' maneuver that had space enthusiasts on the edge of their seats! 🌟
On Wednesday at 10:12 a.m. Beijing Time, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced that Chang'e-6 completed the critical near-moon braking process. This maneuver slowed down the spacecraft just enough for the moon's gravity to capture it, pulling it into a stable orbit. Think of it like hitting the brakes just in time to slide smoothly into a parking spot—but in space! 🚀
With a little help from its friend, the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, Chang'e-6 is now adjusting its orbit to get ready for the next big move. The spacecraft will soon separate its orbiter-returner module from the lander-ascender module. Translation: part of the spacecraft will stay in orbit, while the other part prepares to touch down on the moon's far side! 🌕
The lander-ascender combo is set to make a soft landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin—the largest known impact crater in the solar system. Once there, it will collect samples from the far side of the moon and eventually return them to Earth. It's like sending a robot to fetch lunar souvenirs! 🛍️
This mission marks another giant leap for China's space exploration, and we can't wait to see what cosmic secrets Chang'e-6 will uncover. Stay tuned for more stellar updates! ✨
Reference(s):
China's Chang'e-6 enters lunar orbit after near-moon braking
cgtn.com
