AD 2018, February 28.
After 50 years of relentless efforts by generations of space engineers, Huaxia Aerospace's most magnificent moment had finally arrived.
"Chang'e 11, are preparations complete?"
"Complete!"
"Chang'e 11, are you ready?"
"Reporting to control center, ready!"
"On my command, ignite the reverse thrusters!"
"Reverse thrusters, ignition successful!"
With the activation of the reverse thrusters, Chang'e 11 orbited in an elliptical path for more than half a circle before slowing down again, continuing to decelerate.
As is well known, the deceleration process accomplishes the transition of recovery satellites and high-altitude satellites to low orbits.
Because the speed decreases, Earth's gravity pulling on the satellite exceeds the centripetal force needed for the satellite to orbit Earth, thus the satellite is pulled toward Earth.