http://gbtimes.com/china/china-planning-first-ever-landing-far-side-moon
China is working on plans to land a probe and a rover on the far side of the Moon, according to a chief engineer on the country’s Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP). No such mission has ever been attempted before.
“We are currently discussing the next moon landing site for Chang’e 4. We probably will choose a site that is more difficult to land and more technically challenging. Other countries have chosen to land on the near side of the moon. Our next move probably will see some spacecraft land on the far side of the moon."
Wu added that in-depth feasibility studies were underway with the intention of assigning new missions and mandates to Chang’e-4. The Chang’e-3 lander and its now stricken Yutu (or ‘Jade Rabbit’) rover have already contributed to our understanding of the Moon, and are still operating on Moon’s Mare Imbrium.
Wu’s statement follows words from Ye Peijian, a designer and commander of the country’s lunar program, who in March hinted that Chang’e-4 would not repeat the accomplishments of Chang’e-3, but likely attempt a ‘more difficult’ landing somewhere on that Moon’s surface (link), sparking speculation of a possible far side mission.
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Well, maybe we'll find out if there are any bases (man or alien) on the other side of the darn thing!
China is working on plans to land a probe and a rover on the far side of the Moon, according to a chief engineer on the country’s Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP). No such mission has ever been attempted before.
“We are currently discussing the next moon landing site for Chang’e 4. We probably will choose a site that is more difficult to land and more technically challenging. Other countries have chosen to land on the near side of the moon. Our next move probably will see some spacecraft land on the far side of the moon."
Wu added that in-depth feasibility studies were underway with the intention of assigning new missions and mandates to Chang’e-4. The Chang’e-3 lander and its now stricken Yutu (or ‘Jade Rabbit’) rover have already contributed to our understanding of the Moon, and are still operating on Moon’s Mare Imbrium.
Wu’s statement follows words from Ye Peijian, a designer and commander of the country’s lunar program, who in March hinted that Chang’e-4 would not repeat the accomplishments of Chang’e-3, but likely attempt a ‘more difficult’ landing somewhere on that Moon’s surface (link), sparking speculation of a possible far side mission.
_________________________________________________________
Well, maybe we'll find out if there are any bases (man or alien) on the other side of the darn thing!
