China’s second lunar orbiter – Chang’E-2 – after a second braking action — the probe has settled into a new orbit around the Moon and has delivered its first data to Earth.
There are seven scientific instruments, such as a stereo camera, laser altimeter, gamma ray spectrometer, X ray spectrometer, Microwave radiometer, solar wind ion detector and a high-energy particle detector onboard the Chinese spacecraft.
After the 17 minutes of braking, Chang’E-2 entered into its mission orbit. The orbital period of the trajectory is 3.5 hours.
In the future, Chang’E-2 will make the third braking action and enter its 100 kilometers by 15 kilometers target trajectory around the Moon.
The topography data and technology testing made possible by this newly arrived lunar asset will be helpful for the soft landing of China’s robotic Chang’E-3 in the near future.
By LD/CSE