CASC - Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) logo.
October 23, 2014
Long March-3C rocket launch
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation or CASC have launched the third phase of its lunar exploration program on Thursday. Launch of the Chang’e-5-T1 mission took place at 17:59 UTC, utilizing a Long March-3C/G2 launch vehicle from the LC2 launch complex of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province. The mission is aimed at testing the technologies that are vital for the success of the future Chang’e-5 sample return probe.
The spacecraft, launched today aboard a Long March 3C rocket, will circle the moon and then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in a test of its navigation system and heat shield. It is a precursor for the Chang’e-5 sample return mission set to launch around 2017.
.jpg)
CE-5-T1 capsule (Chang'e 5 precursor mission)
The mission is a lunar flyby of a spacecraft that is attached to the last stage of the Long March 3C/G2 rocket on its Vehicle Equipment Bay. The project is conducted by LuxSpace, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and is a quick, low cost mission aiming at global cooperation.
Secondary payloads
A German space technology company, OHB System, will fly a private payload called the 4M mission (Manfred Memorial Moon Mission) in honor of OHB founder, Manfred Fuchs, who died in 2014. Technical management of the mission will be performed by LuxSpace. The probe weighs 14 kilograms and contains two scientific instruments.
The first instrument is a radio beacon to test a new approach for locating spacecraft. Radio amateurs will be encouraged via prize incentives to receive the transmissions and send results back to LuxSpace.
The second instrument, a dosimeter provided by the Spanish company iC-Málaga, will continuously measure radiation levels throughout the satellite's circumlunar path.
4M payload (Image Credit: LuxSpace)
The payload of this mission is designated 4M-LXS, a 14 kg payload that was developed at LuxSpace.
The 4M-LXS amateur radio payload will transmit on 145.980 MHz ± 2.9kHz (-40°C to +125°C), Doppler max: -2200Hz, +1000Hz. The continuous transmissions will start 4670s (77.8 minutes) after launch (-0, +600s).
4M can help in the sizing of the appropriate radiation shielding for the next Moon mission as well as being the first basic trial for spacecraft navigation of the next Moon mission.
CLEP, the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program
Return a sample of the lunar surface by future China probe Chang’e-5
The CLEP was established in three different phases. The first phase aimed at orbiting the Moon, with the second phase having the objective of making a soft landing, while the third phase has the objective of return a sample of the lunar surface to Earth.
For more information about China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), visit: http://english.spacechina.com/n16421/index.html
Images, Text, Credits: CASC / NASASpaceflight.com / Wikipedia / Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
Best regards, Orbiter.ch