Chinese spacecraft lands on the moon
euronews (in English)
2013-12-14
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China has reportedly landed an unmanned spacecraft on the moon on Saturday.
The Chang’e 3, a probe named after a lunar goddess in traditional Chinese mythology, is carrying a buggy called Yutu or Jade Rabbit. It will dig and conduct geological surveys.
The country’s official news service reported that the spacecraft had touched down on the Bay of Rainbows. The area was chosen because of its large amount of sunlight, has yet to be studied and is convenient for remote communications to earth.
China has been steadily developing its space programme for commercial, military and scientific purposes.
In June three astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with an experimental space lab. The country aims to build a functioning space station by 2020.
China becomes the third country, joining the US and the former USSR, in landing a spacecraft on the moon.
The Chang’e 3, a probe named after a lunar goddess in traditional Chinese mythology, is carrying a buggy called Yutu or Jade Rabbit. It will dig and conduct geological surveys.
The country’s official news service reported that the spacecraft had touched down on the Bay of Rainbows. The area was chosen because of its large amount of sunlight, has yet to be studied and is convenient for remote communications to earth.
China has been steadily developing its space programme for commercial, military and scientific purposes.
In June three astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with an experimental space lab. The country aims to build a functioning space station by 2020.
China becomes the third country, joining the US and the former USSR, in landing a spacecraft on the moon.
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