On May 3rd, at 17:27, the Long March 5 carrier rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, carrying the Chang'e 6 probe. The probe was then sent into its designated transfer orbit, and the launch mission was a complete success.
The Chang'e 6 probe will undertake the highly anticipated world's first mission to sample and return from the far side of the moon.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has officially released multi-perspective images of the launch of the Chang'e 6 rocket, with the stunning moment of launch in the rain being truly breathtaking.
It is understood that the Chang'e 6 probe is about 7.2 meters high and weighs about 8 tons, making it the heaviest deep space probe China has launched to date.
From bottom to top, the components are the orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender.
According to the plan, after the probe separates from the rocket, it will fly in the Earth-Moon transfer orbit, brake near the Moon, and then enter the designated orbit.
The lander and ascender combination land on the far side of the moon, collect lunar samples, while the orbiter and returner wait in lunar orbit.
After 2 days of lunar surface work, the ascender carries the samples to lunar orbit, docks with the orbiter-returner combination, and transfers the samples.
Subsequently, the lunar return module will enter lunar transfer orbit to return near Earth, and the return capsule will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at an opportune moment.
The mission is expected to last approximately 53 days.
To date, all human lunar sample returns have been located on the near side of the Moon. The far side of the Moon is generally older than the near side and holds significant scientific value. Chang'e 6 will break this pattern and set a new record for humanity.
