In safety test, safety capsule touched down with airbag cushioning to ensure astronauts survive during rocket failures at lift-off
China’s Chang’e-6 mission returns to Earth with first samples from moon’s far side
At midday on Tuesday, the spacecraft’s escape engines ignited while grounded at the launch complex. Within 20 seconds, the return capsule reached its designated altitude and cleanly separated from the escape tower as parachutes deployed.
The capsule subsequently touched down within the predetermined landing zone using an airbag cushioning system, marking the test’s success.
This foundational safety verification – designed to ensure crew survive during rocket failures at lift-off – simulates emergencies in which astronauts must be rapidly extracted from danger zones during a vehicle’s most vulnerable launch phase.
