On the 15 March 2024 Hour Hong- Kong SAR – Beijing time CNSA –China National Space Administration ….. the “Chang Zheng -Long March 5” Yao-8 carrier rocket which will carry out the Chang’e-6 mission of the fourth phase of the lunar exploration project, safely arrived at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China. Subsequently, the rocket will be assembled and tested at the launch site together with the Chang’e-6 probe that arrived in advance. Currently, all participating systems in the launch site area are preparing for the Chang’e-6 mission as planned…..
“Chang Zheng -Long March 5” Yao-8 carrier rocket which will carry out the fourth phase of the lunar exploration project嫦娥六号was safely transported to the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China. Subsequently, the rocket will be assembled and tested at the launch site together with the Chang’e-6 probe that arrived in advance. Currently, all participating systems in the launch site area….
【Complete vertical transfer! Choose the right moment to launch! 】
On April 27th 2024, after the Chang’e-6 probe and the Long March-5 Yao-8 carrier rocket completed relevant work in the technical area at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, the vehicle-rocket assembly was transported vertically to the launch area. It is planned to select an opportunity for launch in early May.
After the Chang’e-6 probe and the Long March-5 Yao-8 carrier rocket arrived at the launch site in January and March respectively, they successively completed various preparations such as final assembly and testing. On April 27, the movable launch platform carrying the Long March 5 Yao-8 carrier rocket slowly and safely transferred the rocket assembly from the vertical test factory to the launch area. Subsequent functional inspections, joint tests, propellant filling and other work will be carried out as planned
Mission planning
嫦娥六号 Chang’e-6 plans to conduct systematic and long-term research on samples from the far side of the moon, analyze the structure, physical properties, and material composition of the lunar soil, and strive to obtain updated lunar scientific data [42].
The first scientific goal of Chang’e-6 is to carry out mapping detection and geological background survey of the landing site area, obtain on-site analysis data related to lunar samples , and establish a relationship between on-site detection data and laboratory analysis data. Mainly includes: topography detection of the landing area : description and structural characteristics around the sampling point ; description, size and distribution of impact craters , etc. Material composition detection: material composition characteristics at sampling points; physical characteristics and structure of lunar soil ; temperature gradient detection in the shallow layers of the lunar crust , etc. The second scientific goal is to conduct systematic and long-term laboratory research on the lunar samples returned to high altitudes, to analyze the physical characteristics and structural structure of lunar soil and lunar rocks , mineral and chemical composition, trace elements and isotope composition, and lunar rock formation and evolution. Through the isotope age determination of the process, the interaction between cosmic radiation and solar wind ions and the moon, the space weathering process and environmental evolution process, etc., we will conduct in-depth research on the formation and evolution history of the moon.
The second scientific goal is to conduct systematic and long-term laboratory research on the lunar samples returned to the ground , and analyze the physical properties and structural structure of the lunar soil and lunar rocks, mineral and chemical composition, trace elements and isotope composition , and the formation and evolution of lunar rocks. Isotopes of the process, the interaction between cosmic radiation and solar wind ions and the moon, space weathering processes and environmental evolution processes, etc., to deepen the study of the formation and evolution history of the moon.
To achieve lunar sample return, many technological breakthroughs are needed, such as sample collection technology, lunar surface ascent and takeoff technology, lunar orbit rendezvous and docking technology, etc. Because it is a high-speed return, breakthroughs in re-entry technology are also needed. In terms of sampling, it is not only necessary to collect lunar soil from the lunar surface , but also to drill holes to remove materials of different depths from the lunar soil layer 2 meters below and bring them back to the earth. Therefore, Chang’e 6 will also carry a drilling rig …
Images and visuals are from their Respectives CMS China Manned SpaceCNSA-China National Space Administration