China:Chang’e-4 probe soft-landing on moon’s far side

CHINA: A historic momenet for China as Chang’e-4 probe makes a soft landing on the far side of the moon.

This Chinese spacecraft is the first ever to land on the far side of the moon, state-run media reported.

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China’s Chang’e-4 probe set the record on Thursday as it touched down on the far side of the moon

The simulated landing process of Chang’e-4 lunar probe was monitored at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2019.

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China National Space Administration announced it landed successfully on the pre-selected spot at 10:26 a.m. Beijing Time (0226 GMT) .

The probe, comprising a lander and a rover.

The pre-selected landing area was at

• 177.6 degrees east longitude and
• 5.5 degrees south latitude 

The spacecraft landed on the unexplored side of the moon that was never visible from Earth.

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The mission aims to take detailed measurements of the moon’s terrain and mineral composition. Pictures have been taken by Spacecrafts before but it is the first time any landers touched down there.

A spokesperson from the Australian Space Agency congratulating China on Twitter.

Congratulations to China’s Chang’e-4 team for what appears to be a successful landing on the far side of the Moon. This is a first for humanity and an impressive accomplishment! pic.twitter.com/JfcBVsjRC8

— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) January 3, 2019

Landing on the far side has its technical challenges. There is no way to directly communicate with the device as it nears the target. It took three days for the space craft to reach the moon. A satellite was put in the orbit in May to communicated with the spacecraft.

Moment of Celebration and Relief on the successful Landing

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How did the name Chang’e came by

Chang’e is the name of the Chinese goddess of the moon. According to ancient tale, Chang’e flew to the heavens after taking an elixir, and landed on the moon as her final resting place.