Testing the technology of the lunar exploration ship back to Earth

China on October 24 launched an unmanned spacecraft to test the technology to be used on Changshu 5, the probe carrying the Moon mission can return to Earth on its own.

The experimental spacecraft was launched by Truong Chinh 3C missile, from the center of Tay Xuong, Sichuan Province.(Photo: Xinhua)

The spacecraft flying around the Moon's orbit was launched on October 24 by Truong Chinh 3C missile, from the Xuchang Satellite Launch Center, in Sichuan Province. It separated from the rocket and went into orbit expected not long after the launch.

According to China's Defense Science, Technology and Industry Administration, the mission of the experimental spacecraft will last 8 days. It will fly around the half-moon orbit and return to Earth.

On the return journey, the spacecraft will approach the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of nearly 11.2 km / s, then bounce to slow down, as it returns to the atmosphere. It will land in a location in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Xinhua said that the mission this time will focus on collecting data and examining the technology of ships returning to Earth . This is an experimental activity before being applied to the mission of the Hang Nga 5 probe, scheduled to launch into orbit and return to Earth in 2017.

China used to have three spacecraft carrying out Moon missions as Hang Nga 1, Hang Nga 2 and Hang Nga 3, which were launched in 2007, 2010 and 2013 respectively.