China's domestically developed satellite technology, which will be used in a future lunar probe has passed the first round of tests. When the test is finished, the set of equipment will be installed in a satellite, which will orbit the Moon to gather scientific data.
The set of equipment is a vital part of the satellite which will obtain three-dimensional images of the lunar surface and analyze the content of useful elements and different materials on the moon. The satellite will also probe the depth of the lunar soil and the space environment between the Earth and the Moon. Vice director of the program Sun Chuanhui explains :
"The Gamma-ray and X-ray transducers can detect and analyze different elements on the surface of the Moon, as the two kinds of rays are sensitive to photons in different energy ranges."
Special cameras will take three-dimensional photos of the Moon. Solar photon and solar wind transducers will examine the data of the space environment.
The development of this set of equipment was based primarily on existing mature technologies. However, Chinese scientists have some new tasks for the future lunar probe. Sun Chuanhui says the success of the tests marks the end of the initial equipment research phase.
"The tests show the different pieces of equipment work in sync. Information is properly transmitted and analyzed. "
Scientists started research and development of satellite equipment last July. Before the final products are installed, scientists will carry out further examinations to make sure the machinery can operate normally under adverse conditions such as instability in the rocket, crashes, extreme temperatures and radiation exposure.
As part of the first stage of the lunar mission, China will send a satellite to orbit the Moon in 2006. If the satellite is a success, China will conduct an unmanned landing, and send a craft to collect samples from the Moon.
(CRI January 7, 2004)
