Testing lunar probe technology to return to Earth

China launched an unmanned spacecraft today to test technology that will be used on Chang'e 5, a lunar probe that can return to Earth on its own.

The experimental spacecraft was launched by a Long March 3C rocket from Xichang Launch Center in Sichuan Province. Photo: Xinhua.

The lunar orbiter was launched this morning by a Long March 3C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province. It separated from the carrier rocket and entered its planned orbit shortly after launch.

According to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense of China, the experimental spacecraft's mission will last eight days. It will orbit the Moon halfway and return to Earth.

During its re-entry, the spacecraft will approach Earth's atmosphere at a speed of approximately 11.2 km/s, then bounce to slow down as it re-enters the atmosphere. It will land at a location in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Xinhua said that this mission will focus on collecting data and testing the technology of the spacecraft returning to Earth. This is a test activity before being applied to the Chang'e 5 probe mission, which is expected to be launched into orbit and return to Earth in 2017.

China has had three spacecraft carrying out lunar exploration missions, Chang'e 1, Chang'e 2 and Chang'e 3, launched in 2007, 2010 and 2013 respectively.

According to VnExpress