China became the first country in the world, was started in “lunoxod” on the back side of the moon. Apparatus for research “dark” side of the natural satellite of the Earth “Chang'e-4” launched in China, According CGTN channel.
rocket “Chanchzhэn-3B / E” with a mission “Chang'e-4” It was launched from the Baikonur Xichang 8 December 02:20 local BP. (21:20 MSK on BP. 7 December). Expected, that the lander made a soft landing on the back side of the moon in early January 2019 of the year.
Lunoxod “Yuytu”, part of the mission “Chang'e 3“
China has embarked on the implementation of the lunar program 2007 year, when he launched the first satellite to the Moon. then, 2010 It was launched the second satellite, which together with the first surface of the earth satellite studied. AT 2013 , the Chinese unit launched “Chang'e 3”, which makes a successful landing on the lunar surface. Launched yesterday apparatus “Chang'e-4” It was built as a backup “Chang'e 3” technically similar to the main unit. It consists of the landing platform and fixed on it moonwalker. After planting, the rover leaves the platform, after which the two parts of the device to begin their research programs. Total weight of the machine 1,2 tons, of which account for the lunar rover 140 kilograms.
The main difficulty running the mission is not directly related to land, why China launched the pre-relay satellite Queqiao, which was released a month later on the halo orbit around the L2 Lagrange point of the Earth-Moon system. While at this point, the satellite will be visible from the Earth at the same time available for rover.
Also two more lunar mission scheduled for early next year – Indian and Israeli, at what, if Israel plans to launch only landing platform, that India, together with the platform launches its lunar rover. Naturally, Both missions will be to “light” side of the moon.
