Chang’e 1 was China‘s first spacecraft to explore the Moon, launched in 2007. It orbited the Moon to study its surface, environment, and composition. The mission created detailed maps of the Moon, helping scientists understand its features and history. After completing its tasks, the spacecraft deliberately crashed into the Moon in 2009. This mission marked China’s entry into lunar exploration and set the stage for more advanced missions in the future.
Design and Construction
Chang’e 1 was designed as an advanced lunar orbiter, built to demonstrate China’s capability in space exploration and lay the groundwork for future missions. The spacecraft weighed around 2,350 kilograms and featured a robust solar panel system for power.
Chang’e 1 carried advanced scientific instruments, including a laser altimeter to measure the Moon’s topography, a stereo camera to capture detailed images, and a gamma-ray spectrometer to analyze the Moon’s surface composition. The spacecraft’s design was heavily influenced by China’s earlier experience with satellites, but it included modifications to handle the challenges of deep-space environments.
Mission Objectives
The primary goal of Chang’e 1 was to study the Moon from orbit. It aimed to create a detailed three-dimensional map of the lunar surface, analyze its composition, and measure the thickness of the Moon’s crust. Additionally, it sought to study the space environment around the Moon, including radiation levels and solar wind conditions. These objectives were crucial for preparing the way for future lunar missions, including landers and sample-return missions.
Launch and Deployment
Chang’e 1 was launched on October 24, 2007, aboard a Long March 3A rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. After a series of orbital maneuvers, the spacecraft entered lunar orbit on November 5, 2007.
It operated in a polar orbit, allowing it to cover the entire surface of the Moon over time. The spacecraft successfully conducted its mission for over a year, far exceeding its expected lifespan.
In March 2009, Chang’e 1 was intentionally guided to crash into the Moon’s surface, completing its mission.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 2,350 kg
- Power: Solar panels with 1,700 W output
- Instruments: Stereo camera, laser altimeter, gamma-ray spectrometer
- Orbit: Polar lunar orbit at 200 km altitude
- Communication: X-band for data transmission
- Launch Vehicle: Long March 3A rocket
Current Status
Chang’e 1 was a groundbreaking mission for China, marking its first step in lunar exploration. The data it collected significantly improved our understanding of the Moon, including its topography and geological history. The mission demonstrated China’s growing technological capabilities in space and paved the way for more ambitious lunar missions like Chang’e 2, Chang’e 3, and beyond.
