CHANG'E-3 LUNAR PROBE highlights of the mission

KG

INTRO

On more about the highlights of the Chang'e-3 lunar probe mission, here we have some chief experts of the program.

PKG

In space, the Chang'e will face some major challenges.

The probe is expected to descend slowly to about 100 m above the moon's surface, and move horizontally on its own, avoiding obstacles before landing.

During this phase, it will scan and analyze the surface automatically without human control from the Earth.

CHALLENGE 1: A SOFT LANDING

Ye Peijian, chief scientist for the Chang'e-3 probe mission, said carrying out a soft landing in low-gravity conditions is no easy feat.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) YE PEIJIAN, Chief scientist of the Chang'e-3 program:

"The smooth descending of a lunar probe would rely on a well-designed orbital path and a well-managed reducing of falling speed. To achieve a steady and gentle soft-landing, we have developed an engine that would provide a counter force to help the probe gradually slow down as it falls onto the lunar surface."

Ye said the engine will provide a force of 7,500 newtons at first. The force will then be decreased little by little.

The engine's power will last for 12 minutes.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) YE PEIJIAN, Chief scientist of the Chang'e-3 program:

"We must ensure the engine switches off in the last seconds before the landing. We don't want to raise dust on the moon surface, which will interfere with the equipment and the solar panels on the probe. Meanwhile, Chang'e's legs are designed to cushion the impact when it hits the moon's surface."

CHALLENGE 2: THE ROVER

After Chang'e lands, the moon rover " Yutu" will detach from the lander. Ye said the separation of the rover and the lander presents another challenge for the team.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) YE PEIJIAN, Chief scientist of the Chang'e-3 program:

"After the landing, the rover will leave the lander. A pair of rails will transport the rover to the moon's surface, a little like an elevator."

The rover's unit is specially designed for travelling on the bumpy moon surface and climbing gentle slopes.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) YE PEIJIAN, Chief scientist of the Chang'e-3 program:

"Yutu's walking unit is specially designed to help the rover move smoothly on the moon. The rover has six independent wheels. Four of them are able to steer. The vehicle is also equipped with an electronic guiding unit and other equipment to help it explore the moon."

CHALLENGE 3: EXPLORING SPACE ON THE MOON

The Chang'e-3 lunar probe will use many new technologies to explore the moon and space, including an ambitious moon-based telescope for deep-space observation.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) LI BENZHENG, Deputy commander-in-chief of China's lunar program:

"We want to carry out experiments with new technology during this mission. Apart from surveying the lunar surface and analyzing the moon's geologic structure, we are also going to observe deep space from the moon, using an optical telescope. This is something that has never been tried by any other country before."

The telescope will help to monitor other celestial bodies in space, and send data and images back to the Earth.