China's second lunar probe Chang'e-2 is to take photos of the pit on the moon Chang'e-1 made a week ago when it hit the planet, discloses Ye Peijian, chief commander and designer of Chang'e-1 project.
Chang'e-1, the country's first lunar probe, ended its 16-month mission by crashing into the moon. Original design of the satellite did not include hitting the moon. Therefore, no module existed to carry out real time observation of the crash or take photos of the impact pits.
Observatories across the country carried out astronomical observations during the crash. But the moon was hardly visible due to strong daylight. However, the pit formed by the crash will remain there for Chang'e-2 to take photos, said Ye.
Meanwhile, Chang'e-3, which is planning to land on the moon with land rover, is under construction. Favorite landing area will be around the Bay of Rainbow near equator of the moon. It's flat and well-illuminated, easy for researchers to carry out observation, Ye explained.
Bid for land rover on the moon is in progress. According to Ye, soil snatcher for grabbing soil on the surface of the moon will adopt technology from Prof. Yung Kai Leung with Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Ye also said that China is constructing two mega astronomical ground stations in east and west China. The newly-built stations will be able to observe planets as far as Mars, making it possible for China to launch Mars probe project.
Chang'e-1, the country's first lunar probe, ended its 16-month mission by crashing into the moon. Original design of the satellite did not include hitting the moon. Therefore, no module existed to carry out real time observation of the crash or take photos of the impact pits.
Observatories across the country carried out astronomical observations during the crash. But the moon was hardly visible due to strong daylight. However, the pit formed by the crash will remain there for Chang'e-2 to take photos, said Ye.
Meanwhile, Chang'e-3, which is planning to land on the moon with land rover, is under construction. Favorite landing area will be around the Bay of Rainbow near equator of the moon. It's flat and well-illuminated, easy for researchers to carry out observation, Ye explained.
Bid for land rover on the moon is in progress. According to Ye, soil snatcher for grabbing soil on the surface of the moon will adopt technology from Prof. Yung Kai Leung with Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Ye also said that China is constructing two mega astronomical ground stations in east and west China. The newly-built stations will be able to observe planets as far as Mars, making it possible for China to launch Mars probe project.
