Space News reported that the Chang’e-5 orbiter successfully entered orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 on March 15 as part of an extended mission, the China Aerospace and Technology Corp. stated Friday. The spacecraft will perform a range of tests and solar observations under the control of the Beijing Aerospace Control Center. The mission is “China’s first excursion to Sun-Earth L1 and first Chinese spacecraft to move inside the orbit of the Earth.” Possible destinations for extended activities are being considered.
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Tag: Chang’e-5
Rocket Stage Headed for Moon Impact Likely from 2014 Chang’e Mission
Space News reports that a rocket stage “expected to impact the moon is still most likely to belong to China’s 2014 moon mission, despite a denial from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Independent spectral analysis “by students at the University of Arizona also adds to the evidence that the object’s identity most likely belongs to China’s Chang’e-5 T1 mission.” University of Arizona associate professor Vishnu Reddy said, “We took a spectrum and compared it with Chinese and SpaceX rockets of similar types, and it matches the Chinese rocket. This is the best match, and we have the best possible evidence at this point.”
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