MISSION BEYOND BORDERS

Together with Queqiao, two microsatellites, Longjiang-1 and Longjiang-2, were launched to orbit the Moon to conduct ultra-long-wave astronomical observation, which could help scientists study the cosmic dawn.

Astronomers yearn for a completely quiet electromagnetic environment to detect the weak signals emitted from remote celestial bodies in deep space.

The far side of the Moon is such a place, as the body of the Moon shields against radio interference from the Earth. From there, astronomers can study the origins and evolution of stars and galaxies, peering into the dawn of the universe.

"Exploring the cosmic dawn is our long-term goal, and Longjiang-1 and Longjiang-2 are a preliminary experiment that could lay the foundation for future exploration," said Chen Xuelei, a cosmologist with the National Astronomical Observatories, who leads a team to analyze the data of the microsatellites.

The relay satellite is also equipped with a low-frequency radio spectrometer developed by Dutch scientists to help scientists "listen" to the deeper reaches of the cosmos.

A small lunar optical imaging detector developed by Saudi Arabia is installed on the satellite.

China's lunar exploration program will be a new research platform for scientists around the world. The lander and rover of Chang'e-4 will be equipped with instruments developed by Germany and Sweden, said Sun Zezhou, chief designer of the Chang'e-4 mission.

In addition, the satellite carries a reflector developed by the Sun Yat-sen University to conduct laser-ranging experiments between the relay satellite and an observatory on the ground at a maximum distance of 460,000 km. If successful, it will set a new record for this kind of experiment, said Zhang.

To raise interests of the public in space exploration, the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the CNSA has invited people to write down their hopes for lunar and space exploration, and the relay satellite is carrying the names of about 100,000 participants and their hopes into deep space.

REACHING FOR THE FUTURE

China has outlined an ambitious blueprint for deep space exploration, including the Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2019.

After fulfilling the three steps of its lunar probe program -- orbiting, landing and returning -- China will further explore the Moon, including landing and probing the polar regions, said Tian Yulong, CNSA secretary general.

China will launch its first Mars probe in 2020, and it is expected to orbit, land and put a rover on the Red Planet.

It also plans to probe asteroids around 2022, followed by a probe in 2028 to bring Mars samples back to Earth. An exploration mission to the Jupiter system is planned around 2029.

Experts have proposed building a research base on the Moon in the future.

Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program, says China has the technological basis for a manned lunar landing.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)