China News Service, Beijing, December 6 (Guo Chaokai) A reporter learned from the China National Space Administration on the 6th that at 5:42 on December 6, Beijing time, the Chang'e-5 ascender successfully rendezvous and docked with the orbiter and returner assembly. And at 6:12, the sample container was safely transferred to the returner.
This is China's first lunar orbital rendezvous and docking.
The orbiter gradually approaches the ascender.
Image source: Photo courtesy of China National Space Administration
From the moment the ascender enters the orbit around the moon, through long-range guidance and short-range autonomous control, the orbiter and returner assembly gradually approach the ascender, capture the ascender by claws, and complete the rendezvous and docking.
In the future, the Chang'e-5 orbiter and returner combination will be separated from the ascender and return to Earth at the right time.
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