China's Chang'e 5 probe lands moon rocks in Mongolia
(2020/12/17)
- Reference: 1608192305
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/12/17/change5_returns_moon_rock_samples/
- Source link:
China has landed its Chang'e 5's probe and its precious payload of moon rocks.
The China National Space Agency [1]reports that the re-entry capsule started the final leg of its journey at 1:00 AM local time, then hit the atmosphere at 11.2 km/sec at 1:33AM.
That first approach resulted in a planned bounce, before a second approach at just 7.9km/sec allowed it to return to Earth. At an altitude of 10 kilometres, the vehicle’s parachutes popped and at 1:59AM it hit the grass in the district of Siziwang.
A Chinese flag was quickly hoisted next to the capsule.
China’s chuffed at the mission’s success, as it makes it just the third nation to bring back bits of Luna. The endeavor also went off without a hitch, with even the damage to the probe's lander when the return module lifted off not unexpected.
State media are not holding back with descriptions of the mission’s many milestones, or the fact that samples will be shared with other nations. Some of the rocks will also be put on public display, to inspire Chinese youth.
China plans a space station and moon base, so its kids already have a lot to look up to. Of course such opportunities will only be possible of their social credit score, measured using pervasive surveillance, marks them out as suitable for such honors. ®
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[1] http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6810898/content.html
[2] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
The China National Space Agency [1]reports that the re-entry capsule started the final leg of its journey at 1:00 AM local time, then hit the atmosphere at 11.2 km/sec at 1:33AM.
That first approach resulted in a planned bounce, before a second approach at just 7.9km/sec allowed it to return to Earth. At an altitude of 10 kilometres, the vehicle’s parachutes popped and at 1:59AM it hit the grass in the district of Siziwang.
A Chinese flag was quickly hoisted next to the capsule.
China’s chuffed at the mission’s success, as it makes it just the third nation to bring back bits of Luna. The endeavor also went off without a hitch, with even the damage to the probe's lander when the return module lifted off not unexpected.
State media are not holding back with descriptions of the mission’s many milestones, or the fact that samples will be shared with other nations. Some of the rocks will also be put on public display, to inspire Chinese youth.
China plans a space station and moon base, so its kids already have a lot to look up to. Of course such opportunities will only be possible of their social credit score, measured using pervasive surveillance, marks them out as suitable for such honors. ®
Get our [2]Tech Resources
[1] http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6810898/content.html
[2] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
MyffyW
And well reported El Reg . Sometimes it's what you don't say that counts.
Impetus
Chris G
Well done indeed China.
In addition to the success of the mission as a scientific endeavour, it will provide impetus to the rest of the world to keep up with or surpass China.
I am sure this has not been solely about collecting moon rocks either, as missions like this provide info for manned missions too. It wouldn't surprise me to wake up one morning to a rock collecting mission turning out to be Chinese astronauts playing golf on the regolith.
Wait
Aladdin Sane
You guys believe in the moon?
Nothing there...
ZanzibarRastapopulous
Moon lighter, earth heavier.
Well done China.