China to launch two robots for moon exploration mission

China’s space agency is on a new task, the ‘Chang’e-4 mission’ for exploring the farthest side of the moon. The mission aims to launch two robots in December 2018. The new mission is named after China’s mythical goddess - Chang’e-4 and is China’s fourth effort in the ongoing lunar exploration program. China aims at crewed lunar landing if the technological process of Chang’e-4 ends in a success. This will be world’s second lunar landing after NASA’s Apollo program in 1972. 

ALSO READ | ISRO on Gaganyaan: Technology to send astronauts to space already developed

Landing on the moon will also be seen as domination around moon’s space. China’s National Defence Science and Technology Bureau in Beijing on Wednesday said “Chang’e-4 will rocket toward the moon in December. It will be the first to realize a soft landing on the moon and inspection of the far side of the moon”. 

Chang’e-4 has been made from the backup hardware of Chang’e-3 which was the China’s similar mission that launched the Yutu or “Jade Rabbit” rover along with a stationary probe to the moons near side in 2013.  

According to Air and Space magazine, Chang’e-4 is being done so as study moon’s most ancient rocks - which could help scientists understand the moon’s extremely violent history. It will also help in searching for a site to build a first ever telescope to study the universe. 

ALSO READ | SpaceX prepares astronauts for Commercial Crew Program, will now fly to the International Space Station

After mission Chang’e-4, China is planning to launch Chang’e-5 which would help in collecting about 4.4 lbs of dust and rocks from moon’s northwest part.