The 3000N main engine ignites and brakes for more than 800 seconds to help the "Tianwen-1" probe enter the orbit around Mars
China News Service, Xi'an, February 10 (Reporter Zhang Yichen) At 19:52 on the evening of February 10, the "Tianwen No. 1" propulsion system developed by the Sixth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (abbreviated as "Sixth Academy of Aerospace") worked perfectly , 3000N main engine implements ignition and brake braking for more than 800 seconds, helping China's first Mars probe to enter orbit around Mars.
"Tianwen-1" Mars probe propulsion system development unit Li Hejun, director of the Deep Space Exploration System Department of the Sixth Academy of Aerospace 801, said that the Mars brake capture is a major test of the orbiter propulsion system.
Recently, the test team of the Sixth Academy of Aerospace, composed of more than 10 fire detection propulsion system engine experts and scientific researchers, has been working at the Beijing Flight Control Center and tracking it continuously for 24 hours to ensure the "Tianwen No. 1" ring fire. The successful completion of the task.
Lan Xiaohui, Chief Engineer of Engine Models of the Sixth Academy of Aerospace and technical leader of 3000N fire detection main engine of 11 Institute, said that this 3000N engine work is the longest working time of this type of engine. The working condition is very perfect. After near-fire braking The high accuracy of orbiting has won a "good start" for the smooth development of the subsequent ring-fire flight.
Unlike the Chang'e series of probes flying in the earth and moon space, the "Tianwen-1" is on an interstellar voyage. Three days after launch, it has completely separated from the earth's gravitational field.
At present, "Tianwen-1" has finally successfully braked at a distance of 400 kilometers from Mars and entered the ring fire orbit.
On the "Tianwen-1" Mars Rover, the Sixth Academy of Aerospace Development has developed and delivered the propulsion subsystem of the landing patrol and orbiter, with a total of 48 large and small engines.
The task of these engines is to provide reliable power for the hovering, obstacle avoidance and slow descent process of the landing patrol during landing, and to provide the orbital transfer, brake capture, orbit adjustment and attitude control for the orbiter with the precise power required for the control.
Li Hejun introduced that the "Tianwen No. 1" orbiter propulsion system engine has implemented ignition braking, which is of great significance.
The engine thrust deceleration control is used to reduce the probe's speed so that it can be captured by the gravity of Mars. This action is vividly called "pressing the brake".
Only with such precise braking can the "Tianwen-1" become a satellite orbiting Mars, otherwise the probe will fly over Mars and rush into far deep space.
It is understood that after the completion of Mars capture, the "Tianwen-1" propulsion sub-system developed by the Sixth Academy of Aerospace Engineering will continue its efforts to complete multiple near-fire braking and orbit adjustments, and finally achieve a soft landing on the surface of Mars. (Finish)