Video: Chang’e-5 Orbiter-Sample Return Vehicle Separates from Ascender

Video Caption: Having completed its mission, Chang’e-5’s ascender separated from the orbiter-sample return vehicle. According to Gao Lei(CNSA official), the orbiter-returner will orbit the Moon for about six to seven days, then enter the Earth-Moon transfer orbit, and experience another three to four days of flight before returning to Earth”. For the rendezvous and docking operations Chang’e-5 used a microwave radar. After docking, the lunar samples were transferred from the ascender to the sample return vehicle.

Credit: China Central Television (CCTV)/China National Space Administration (CNSA)