Micro-motors key to lunar probe's success

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Micro-motors key to lunar probe's success

By Han Bin (CNTV) 14:59, November 28, 2013

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One of the key criteria for the success of China's latest lunar probe, the Chang'e 3, will be a soft landing on the moon. Chinese scientists have made numerous technological breakthroughs to make that happen.

Our reporter Han Bin was given special access to a research institute of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation in Shanghai. The company produces micro-motors used in the probe. As he finds out, Chinese scientists and engineers have mastered some key technologies which Western countries have banned for export.

These once secret parts are the real power behind China's leap in space innovation. They're called micro-motors. And they'll help the lunar probe achieve a smooth landing.

Shi Jinhao, is the head of this research institute. He's also in charge of production responsible for over 30 different micro-motors used by the Chang'e 3.

"The micro-motors used by the Chang'e 3 function similarly to human joints and nerve terminals. All movements of the Lander and Rover are directed and controlled by the special motors." Shi said.

China has already developed mature satellite launching techniques. But the upcoming mission will be the first time the country attempts a soft landing in space.

This 8-centimeter engine commands the landing process. The wire controls the valve that determines the reaction thrust, avoiding a crash landing. The concept is the same as the gas pedal in a car.

And this even smaller motor determines how soft the landing will be.

"The Lander is equipped with two such motors to control the scanning instruments on each one, so as to find a flat surface to land." Shi said.

Both the Lander and Rover have weight limits. And the great temperature extremes on the moon also pose huge challenges for the functioning of the motors.

Shi Jinhao and his colleagues put their collective knowledge to work, testing time and again till they got it right. They say micro-motor theory may be simple, but the techniques to produce the motors are highly sophisticated. Western countries possessing the technology have banned their export.

Reporter: "We've been told key technologies in this lunar project are Chinese innovations. While these scientific breakthroughs are playing a crucial role in the nation's space program, they will also be an important part of boosting the economy for decades to come."

The lunar project has upgraded China's overall capabilities in this field. Some of the technologies will be converted for civilian use.

"The micro-motor technologies are sometimes very dull, but we feel so proud and it's worth our efforts to develop them, as we've reached the top level, and helped the country's space dreams come true." Shi said.

Shi Jinhao believes the micro-motor industry has great potential. He's been working on them for some 30 years, and he's more confident than ever that the world will one day turn to China for leading technology that benefits all mankind.