Important Innovations

Global Space First China's The Chang'e 4 Spacecraft Historic Soft Landing on Far Side of Moon China's The Chang'e 4 spacecraft is set to land on the far side of the Moon between January 1 and January 3.  What a way to ring in the New Year.  This is a first in space exploration and a big win  for China.  No spacecraft has accomplished a soft landing on the far side of the Moon. Rover Onboard The spacecraft is equipped with a rover to explore the lunar surface.  China has launched several relay satellites to allow The Chang'e 4 to communicate with the China Space Agency. Next Space Shot:  The Chang'e 5 This is the second time that China has landed on the moon.  But it's the first time any spacecraft has landed on the far side of the moon.  The Chang'e 4's mission is to study the lunar surface's composition as well as the lunar terrain.  Next mission: The Chang'e 5 that will land on the Moon but also return to the earth with lunar

Lunar Mission Chang 4 Source:  China National Space Administration Historic Lunar Exploration This is a global first in space.  China has blasted off a rocket, carrying a rover probe, headed for a soft landing on the far side of the moon.  Other spacecraft have examined the far side of the moon from afar.  But this will be the first soft landing for detailed study of the other side of the moon. January Touchdown The mission - Chang 4 - is expected to land on the moon in early January.  There are some big challenges.  For instance, the moon blocks direct communication between the probe and Chinese researchers on earth.  To get around that, China launched a satellite in May that keeps the probe in contact with the China National Space Administration. Goals Chang 4' rover is going to survey the lunar terrain, determine mineral composition and study the lunar environment.  If the mission is a success, China plans to launch Chang 5 to collect samples of the moon's surf