China`s probe to land on moon`s surface due in 2013
Baku, March 2 (AZERTAC). Chang`e-3 lunar probe has entered the prototype development stage, and it will be launched in 2013 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on a mission to achieve a soft landing on the moon`s surface, said Ye Peijian, chief scientist of deep space exploration at the China Academy of Space Technology. He said that the Chang`e-3 lunar probe with “legs” and wheels is a brand-new spacecraft for China, so the technology is difficult to master.
Ye said it must be a soft landing, not a hard hit. A soft landing cannot use a parachute because there is a vacuum on the moon. The probe will instead use anti-thrust to slow down the speed of the engine. According to Ye there are five landing sites that have been pre-selected for Chang`e-3 lunar probe. The Sinus Iridum is the first choice in the first task because it is a flat region that is well-lit and easily observable.
Ye Peijian also said the Chang`e-3 lander will carry seven sets of scientific instruments and several cameras to conduct different scientific exploration missions as well as take photos of the Earth and other celestial bodies.
The lunar rover will also have eight instruments, including a panoramic camera and lunar exploration radar. The lunar rover will use automated navigation, turning, route selection, climbing and obstacle avoidance and then transmit the data back to Earth by itself or through the lander.
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