The module is tasked to conduct tests for the Chang’e 5 lunar probe, the successor to Chang’e 3 probe (above) that successfully landed on the moon in 2013. (Photo : Reuters)
The service module of China’s unmanned lunar orbiter has entered the moon’s orbit after braking maneuvers and flew to a suitable position for docking between Tuesday and Saturday, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) announced on Sunday.
Liu Jizhong, deputy chief commander of the SASTIND lunar probe project, said in a statement that the latest performance of the service module proves that its key technology is reliable enough for use to achieve successful docking of two spacecraft for the Chang'e 5 mission.
The Chang'e 5 probe, which is slated for launch in 2017, will be sent to land on the moon, collect samples and return to Earth.
The current lunar orbiter was sent into space in October the previous year, along with a return capsule that separated and returned to Earth in November after circling the moon during an eight-day mission.
The service module is expected to continue its lunar flight in order to carry out preset scientific tasks, which may include tests assessing lunar gravity depending on the progress of the mission.
Liu said that SASTIND plans to conduct a test launch of the Chang'e 5 with a Long March-5 carrier rocket in Hainan Province later this year.
"In the tests of the service module, we have simulated three key procedures needed for Chang'e 5: re-entry [to the moon's orbit] at high speed, adjustment of lunar orbit and docking in lunar orbit, laying a solid foundation for China's three-step lunar program--orbiting, landing and returning," Liu added.
