Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

After releasing a test return capsule to Earth, the solar-powered service module first loitered at Earth-Moon L2 and then moved into orbit around the Moon.
Credit: China Space Website

Ground controllers have successfully braked the service module of China’s test lunar spacecraft into Moon orbit.

According to the State-run Xinhua news agency, the module has entered an 8-hour elliptical orbit that reaches about 125 miles (200 kilometers) from the Moon’s surface and swings outward from the Moon to about 3,293 miles (5,300 kilometers).

According to chief engineer Zhou Jianlian of the Beijing Aerospace Control Center the module will make its second and third braking in the early hours of January 12 and January 13, Beijing time. Doing so will enable the module to enter a 127-minute orbit around the Moon, Zhou said.

China mooncraft jumps from Earth-Moon L2 position into Moon orbit.
Credit: CMSE

China’s test lunar orbiter was launched on Oct. 24, circling the Moon during its eight-day mission. The service module ejected a return capsule on Nov. 1, with the capsule parachuting to Earth that same day.

After release of the capsule, the service module made its way to the Earth-Moon Lagrangian (L2) position, completing three circles around that point prior to heading for lunar orbit.

China’s Chang’e 5 mission is slated for 2017 and will land, collect, and return to Earth lunar samples.
Credit: China Space Website

According to ground controllers, the service module contains support systems that reportedly are all operating smoothly.The module now orbiting the Moon is loaded with gear to collect further data useful in planning China’s Chang’e 5 mission slated for 2017, said state broadcaster, China Central Television.

Chang’e 5 would be a robotic sample return mission, soft landing on the Moon, then scoop up several pounds of rock and soil for transport back to Earth.

Also, go to the Space.com version of this story at:

http://www.space.com/28208-chinese-spacecraft-orbiting-moon.html