China To Deepen Lunar Exploration: Space Expert
Umer Jamshaid Published January 12, 2019 | 02:51 PM
As the Chang'e-4 probe made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon, a senior Chinese space expert said China will deepen its lunar exploration and venture further into the unknown.
BEIJING, Jan. 12 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jan, 2019 ) :As the Chang'e-4 probe made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon, a senior Chinese space expert said China will deepen its lunar exploration and venture further into the unknown.
China's current lunar program includes three phases: orbiting, landing, and returning. The first two phases have been accomplished, and the next step is to launch the Chang'e-5 probe to collect 2 kg of samples and bring them back to the earth, said Wu Weiren, an academician of the Chinese academy of Engineering and chief designer of China's lunar exploration program.
There are still many mysteries about the earth's nearest heavenly neighbor and future missions will be more exciting. The program will also promote China as a major player in space exploration.
"We are discussing and drawing up the plan for the fourth phase of the lunar exploration program, including missions to the polar regions of the moon," Wu said.
Some places at the south pole of the moon receive sunlight for over 180 consecutive days, and some areas in craters there are never exposed to sunlight and might hold frozen water, scientists say.
"We hope to build a scientific research station in the south polar region of the moon. It would be operated automatically and visited by people for short periods," Wu envisioned.
China is also planning to launch a probe in 2020 that would orbit, land and rove on Mars the following year.
A heavy-lift carrier rocket, with a takeoff weight of about 4,000 tonnes and a diameter of 10 meters, is a goal for 2030. It would help realize the aim of bringing Mars samples back to the earth and sending Chinese astronauts to the moon.
China is becoming a major player in lunar exploration, and contributing to scientific discovery.
"Exploring the unknown is human nature. The moon is a mysterious world to us. We have a responsibility to explore and to understand it. Exploration of the moon will also deepen our understanding of earth and ourselves," Wu said.
Recent Stories
Over 37% Tobacco tax increase suggested to save lives, boost revenue
Mohsin Naqvi has offered a substantial incentive, pledging $100,000 to every pla ..
Citizens join Al Barsha Police in “An Hour for Dubai” Initiative
Art can be a powerful tool to relieve stress, Experts say at Sharjah Children’ ..
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 5 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 05 May 2024
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
Pakistan, Qatar agree to further expand trade, investment ties
More Stories From Pakistan
-
City experiences partly cloudy, humid weather
8 minutes ago -
50pc crime calls decreased due to thorough patrolling
8 minutes ago -
Fake security official arrested from hospital
18 minutes ago -
Pakistan Army bids farewell to fallen soldier in Bahawalnagar
38 minutes ago -
IESCO issues power suspension programme
38 minutes ago -
Free veterinary camp held at Dasht-e-Baba
1 hour ago
-
Man slain, brothers wounded in shooting incident
1 hour ago -
Delegation of polio oversight board calls on CM KP
2 hours ago -
IRSA releases 144,300 cusecs water
2 hours ago -
Power Division contradicts news item aired on GTV
2 hours ago -
Police arrest suspect in encounter
2 hours ago -
Milk shops sealed for over pricing
2 hours ago