China’s lunar rover caught on camera

World Today

NASA has released new images of China’s spacecraft on the far side of the Moon. The lander and rover have been making cosmic waves since landing last month.

CGTN’s Gerald Tan reports.

Chang’e 4 made history in January by being the first spacecraft to land on the moon’s mysterious far side.

It aims to help scientists better understand the structure and formation of earth’s natural satellite.  Along with its rover, the lunar probe is also conducting experiments to grow plants on the moon. 

They run on solar power and will relay data in two-week cycles.  Li Chunlai from the National Astronomical Observatories of China said, “A day on the moon is about 14 days long on earth.  A night on the moon is also 14 days long.  So the probe has no sunlight for 14 days during the moon night.”

Because the far side perpetually faces AWAY from earth, it was previously beyond the reach of radio signals.  China’s pioneering mission is one of many lunar firsts this year.  Next month, Israel plans to send a time capsule in the first landing by a private company.

Opher Doron from the Space Division of Israel Aerospace Industries said, “We look forward to getting to the moon. It’s probably going to be one of the most exciting moments ever.”