China to land probe on dark side of moon in 2018

China has begun preparations for a new lunar mission in 2018 when it plans to send a probe to the dark side of the moon not explored by humans so far, in a bid to create a new landmark in space exploration.

• The Chang’e-4 probe will be the first mission in human history to embark on this expedition under China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND).

Keyfacts:

• China plans to launch its Chang’e-5 lunar probe to finish the last chapter in China’s three-step (orbiting, landing and return) moon exploration programme.By 2022, China also plans set up its own space station rival to Russia’s space station Mir that is jointly operated with the U.S.
• Mangalyaan stole a march over China in 2015, making India the first Asian country to orbit the red planet.
• The U.S. has sent more than 20 spacecraft to Mars since 1964, among which several probes have landed on the surface of the red planet.