06 January 2019
China's Chang'e 4 probe has started the exploration on the far side of the Moon thanks to the relay satellite that provides a communication link with ground control. The concept of deploying a relay satellite in the halo orbit was first put forward by U.S. space experts in the 1960s. "We will let Queqiao work as long as possible. It could also provide communication for probes from other countries if they intend to explore the Moon's far side within the lifetime of the satellite," said Ye Peijian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a senior space expert. "And that will be a Chinese contribution made to the world," Ye said.
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Notice: Chang'e 4 has sent you a new message
Click Notice: Chang'e 4 has sent you a new message to see what Chang'e 4 wants to tell you about its journey to the far side of the Moon. Try it out!


04 January 2019
After separating from the lander, Yutu 2 has reached the preset location A on the far side of the Moon, pausing in front of a smaller crater. Scientific devices on both, the lander and rover, are currently gathering data, CNSA said late Friday (04 January). At 17:00 Beijing Time, the three 5-meter antennas of the low-frequency radio spectrometer on the lander have fully spread out. Germany's lunar neutron and radiation detector was turned on for testing. The ground control has been receiving geographic and geomorphic images. Environment screening and route planning is completed. The radar and panorama camera on the rover have been operating smoothly and other devices will begin operation according to schedule. Yutu 2 will enter a "napping" mode at an appropriate time and is expected to resume moving next Thursday, 10 January.
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04 January 2019
The head of the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, on 3 January congratulated the Chinese colleagues on the successful landing of the Chang'e 4 probe. "On behalf of Roscosmos State Corporation and on my own behalf, I want to congratulate you and the entire team of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on the successful launch of the Chang'e 4 mission - the first soft landing on the far side of the moon in the history of mankind," Rogozin said in a letter of congratulation published at Roscosmos's website. He noted that Russia and China cooperate fruitfully in the field of space activities. "We are pleased that the power equipment of the Chang'e 4 mission is supplied by radioisotope sources of electricity produced in Russia," he said.
Rogozin's colleague, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, tweeted after the historic landing: "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!"
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03 January 2019
An overview of the landing sequence
Breathtaking high dive! How Chang'e 4 landed fully automatic and autonomous on the Moon's far side - explained in a video