Chang'e I on expected trajectory

时间：2007-11-05 08:00:58

（单词翻译:单击）

Nov. 3 - Chang'e I carried out its first orbital correction on Friday morning in a bid to ensure it travels on its preset orbit.

 

The Beijing Aerospace1 Control Center (BACC) issued the instructions at 10:25 am on Friday, when two small engines on Chang'e I were ignited to slightly modulate2 its trajectory3.

 

Eight minutes later, the orbital correction was completed.

 

The move, which was scheduled to be carried out on Thursday, was canceled as the probe was traveling on the expected trajectory in an "unexpectedly precise" way after it left the Earth orbit late on Wednesday, BACC chief engineer Wang Yejun, said.

 

"Data shows we have reached our expectation through the orbital correction," he said.

 

"That's also the reason why we didn't employ the main engine on Chang'e I for the first orbital correction, because it is not necessary and it also saves energy for the orbiter's future operation," he said.

 

A second orbital correction might be carried out on Sunday, Wang said.

 

Pang4 Zhihao, a researcher with the China Academy of Space Technology, said orbital correction is necessary to prevent an orbiter from veering5 off its projected course.

 

"An aircraft faces many disturbances6, such as gravitation from celestial7 bodies. When it travels in space, we have to carry out corrections to ensure it moves on the right track," Pang said.

 

"Just like driving a car, we must keep turning the steering8 wheel to ensure the car stays on the road," he said.

 

Chang'e I entered the Earth-moon transfer orbit on Wednesday and is expected to arrive at the lunar orbit at 11:25 am on Monday.

 

Once it becomes a real circumlunar satellite after being captured by lunar gravity, the satellite will relay its first pictures of the moon in late November

 

It will then continue scientific explorations of the moon for a further year.
分享到：


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 aerospace CK2yf     
adj.航空的，宇宙航行的
参考例句：
  • The world's entire aerospace industry is feeling the chill winds of recession.全世界的航空航天工业都感受到了经济衰退的寒意。
  • Edward Murphy was an aerospace engineer for the US Army.爱德华·墨菲是一名美军的航宇工程师。
2 modulate IEOxl     
v.调整，调节(音的强弱)；变调
参考例句：
  • Please modulate the sound on the TV.请调节一下电视的音量。
  • This system could modulate the voice signal effectively.这个系统可以对语音信号进行有效的调制。
3 trajectory fJ1z1     
n.弹道，轨道
参考例句：
  • It is not difficult to sketch the subsequent trajectory.很容易描绘出它们最终的轨迹。
  • The path followed by a projectile is called its trajectory.抛物体所循的路径称为它的轨道。
4 pang OKixL     
n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷
参考例句：
  • She experienced a sharp pang of disappointment.她经历了失望的巨大痛苦。
  • She was beginning to know the pang of disappointed love.她开始尝到了失恋的痛苦。
5 veering 7f532fbe9455c2b9628ab61aa01fbced     
n.改变的；犹豫的；顺时针方向转向；特指使船尾转向上风来改变航向v.（尤指交通工具）改变方向或路线( veer的现在分词 )；（指谈话内容、人的行为或观点）突然改变；（指风） （在北半球按顺时针方向、在南半球按逆时针方向）逐渐转向；风向顺时针转
参考例句：
  • Anyone veering too close to the convoys risks being shot. 任何人改变方向，过于接近车队就有遭枪击的风险。 来自互联网
  • The little boat kept veering from its course in such a turbulent river. 小船在这湍急的河中总是改变方向。 来自互联网
6 disturbances a0726bd74d4516cd6fbe05e362bc74af     
n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 )；打扰；困扰；障碍
参考例句：
  • The government has set up a commission of inquiry into the disturbances at the prison. 政府成立了一个委员会来调查监狱骚乱事件。
  • Extra police were called in to quell the disturbances. 已调集了增援警力来平定骚乱。
7 celestial 4rUz8     
adj.天体的；天上的
参考例句：
  • The rosy light yet beamed like a celestial dawn.玫瑰色的红光依然象天上的朝霞一样绚丽。
  • Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.万有引力控制着天体的运动。
8 steering 3hRzbi     
n.操舵装置
参考例句：
  • He beat his hands on the steering wheel in frustration. 他沮丧地用手打了几下方向盘。
  • Steering according to the wind, he also framed his words more amicably. 他真会看风使舵，口吻也马上变得温和了。

©2005-2010英文阅读网