Space & Astronomy

China to venture to the far side of the Moon

By T.K. Randall
December 6, 2018

Image: Buzz Aldrin on the Moon
Credit: Neil Armstrong (1969) / (PD) NASA Known as Chang'e-4, the mission will attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of this relatively unexplored region of the lunar surface which remains facing permanently away from the Earth.

It will launch on December 8th and land at a predetermined site sometime early next year. To maintain communications with Earth, a satellite will be used to relay data and messages back and forth.

According to reports, the lander will be carrying a payload of seeds and silkworm eggs inside a 'lunar mini biosphere.' If the eggs actually manage to hatch, then they will produce the first living creatures from Earth to have ever been born on another world.The mission will also attempt to carry out a low-frequency radio-astronomical study - an intriguing prospect as the far side of the Moon is sheltered from interference from Earth's ionosphere.

Meanwhile, an accompanying rover will conduct a mineralogical and topographical study of the area around the landing site while taking photographs as it goes.

The mission's target will be the Von Karman Crater within the Moon's South Pole-Aitken basin.

It will certainly be interesting to see what it finds there.


Source: Space.com

Tags: Moon, China