Chang'e-6: Exploring the far side of the Moon
After countless days and nights of waiting and anticipation, Chang'e-6 finally embarked on a journey to explore the far side of the moon. As another major milestone in China's lunar exploration after Chang'e-5, Chang'e-6 will not only complete the first sample return from the far side of the moon, but also carry out a number of innovative practices to expand human understanding of the moon.
The task is daunting and challenging
The reason why Chang'e-6 has attracted much attention is due to the enormity of its mission. Unlike Chang'e-5, which returned samples from the far side of the moon, Chang'e-6 will set foot on the far side of the moon, a landmark in the history of human exploration.
Since the far side of the moon is always facing away from the Earth, the probe cannot communicate directly with the ground station, and can only transmit data and instructions through relay satellites. This not only increases the difficulty of measurement and control, but also brings great challenges to the reliability of the entire mission. In the event of a failure, the ground will not be able to deal with it in time, and the limited window will be missed, and the entire mission may be lost.
In addition, the complexity of the landing, sampling and take-off process is a huge challenge. Compared with the previous steps, the probe has never looked back when it takes off and returns from the lunar surface, and even the slightest mistake may lead to the failure to enter the correct orbit in time, thus losing the opportunity to dock with the ascent.
Innovative design writes a new chapter
In the face of such a daunting challenge, Chang'e-6 has made innovative designs in many aspects to ensure the successful completion of the mission. For example, in the return spacecraft section, it is equipped with a new high-thrust engine, which is expected to improve landing accuracy and reliability.
What's even more exciting is that Chang'e-6 carries a "mysterious payload" - a small lunar rover. According to the plan, the lunar rover will be released autonomously after the lander is in place, and use the infrared spectrometer to analyze the rocks and soil on the lunar surface, expanding human exploration of lunar resources to a new field.
In addition, the rover will interact with the lander with the help of WiFi. Although its operating time and range of activities may be limited, this system will undoubtedly accumulate vital experience for subsequent exploration missions. After all, how to efficiently deploy mobile platforms on the lunar surface is a key part of restricting the construction of future lunar bases.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first "surprise" in China's space exploration. As early as Chang'e-4, it secretly carried a biological science experiment box. Innovation attempts have continuously promoted the development of China's aerospace industry.
Break through the "shadow of the back of the moon" and climb the peak
Clearly, sampling the far side of the moon is not the whole mission of Chang'e-6. Through a series of innovative designs, the mission's scientific goals go far beyond a single sample return to achieve multiple major breakthroughs in human lunar exploration.
For example, the French radon detector will carry out in-situ measurements of radon isotopes on the lunar surface, which will help to study the internal physical properties of the moon; ESA's Lunar Negative Ion Analyzer will study the interaction mechanism between plasma and the lunar surface; The Italian laser corner reflector will provide standard coordinates for precise positioning on the far side of the Moon.
The addition of these cutting-edge exploration methods means that Chang'e-6 will not only perform the first sample on the far side of the moon, but will also advance human understanding of the moon on multiple levels. For example, through the measurement of radon gas and negative ions, scientists are expected to further clarify the origin and evolution of the moon, and refresh the understanding of human understanding of the moon's geology.
With the improvement of positioning accuracy on the far side of the Moon, more advanced measurement equipment will be deployed in this area in the future. At that time, a new perspective will be opened for all-round exploration of the entire Moon. It can be expected that in the near future, the basic data and technical reserves accumulated by Chang'e-6 will lay a solid foundation for the subsequent more advanced lunar exploration plan.
China is gradually improving its lunar exploration technology and theoretical system. Not long ago, the success of Chang'e-5 made the "China Plan" appear in front of the world. After Chang'e-6, the mainland will further consolidate this leading advantage and lay the cornerstone for deep space exploration of the solar system.
Riding on the east wind of the lunar exploration project, China's aerospace is heading for more distant deep space. Starting with Chang'e-6, China will effectively break the "shadow on the back of the moon" and gradually unravel the unexplored territory on the far side of the moon. It is believed that soon, mankind's understanding of the moon will leap to new heights.
Hardships and twists and turns are the only way to success. The dreams and expectations carried by Chang'e-6 will eventually converge into the courage and wisdom of Chinese astronauts in this lunar exploration, illuminating the unknown road farther away. Let's wait and see what happens.