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WHY IS CHINA PROBING THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON?

10th June, 2024

WHY IS CHINA PROBING THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON?

Source: Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • China's space exploration efforts have reached a significant milestone with the Chang'e 6 mission, which aims to bring back lunar samples from the moon's far side.
  • This mission is a part of China's ambitious Chang'e program, named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology, and represents a significant step in understanding the moon's geology and the formation of planetary bodies.

Details

Chang'e 6 Mission Details

  • Launch and Lunar Orbit:
    • Launched on May 3 and entered lunar orbit on May 8.
    • The lander complex separated from the orbiter on May 30 and descended into a large crater named Apollo on June 1.
  • Sample Collection:
    • A drill and scoop were used to extract about 2 kg of lunar soil.
    • Samples were transferred to an ascender which took off on June 4 and handed over the samples to the orbiter.
  • Return Journey:
    • The sample-bearing capsule is expected to return to Earth on June 25, 2024.

The Chang'e Missions: A Timeline

  • Chang'e 1 (2007):
    • Launched by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) as part of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme (CLEP).
    • Created a detailed map of the moon’s surface.
  • Chang'e 2:
    • Equipped with a better camera for enhanced imaging.
    • Data used to prepare for the Chang'e 3 mission.
  • Chang'e 3 (2013):
    • Successfully landed a rover on the moon, marking the beginning of phase II missions.
  • Chang'e 4 (2019):
    • Achieved the first landing on the moon's far side.
    • Explored the more mysterious and rugged terrain of this region.
  • Chang'e 5 (2020):
    • Collected and returned lunar soil samples from the moon’s near side.
    • Introduced a complex mission structure involving a lander, an ascender, an orbiter, and a returner.
  • Chang'e 6 (2023):
    • Currently in progress, aiming to replicate the success of Chang'e 5 but from the moon’s far side.
    • Seeks to understand the differences between the near and far sides of the moon.

The Far Side of the Moon

  • Tidally Locked: The moon is tidally locked with Earth, meaning the same side always faces our planet.
  • Terrain: The far side is rockier with fewer smooth plains compared to the near side.
  • Communication Challenges: Direct communication with a spacecraft on the far side is impossible without a relay satellite due to the lack of line of sight.

Scientific Goals and Challenges

  • Understanding Terrain Asymmetry:
    • Scientists aim to understand why the far side's terrain is so different from the near side.
    • Hypotheses include differences in thermochemical characteristics and the influence of heat released by Earth during the moon's formation.
  • Potential Discoveries:
    • Far-side samples could provide insights into the moon’s history and planetary formation processes.
    • The data may reveal new information about lunar geology and the early solar system.

Broader Implications

  • Telescope Installation:
    • The far side is considered ideal for installing large telescopes due to the lack of Earth’s interference.
    • ISRO and the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru are working on such a device, PRATUSH.
  • China’s Growing Space Ambitions:
    • The Chang'e missions demonstrate China's expanding capabilities and ambitions in space exploration.
    • Successful missions bolster China's position in the global space race and pave the way for future lunar and interplanetary missions.
  • International Collaboration and Data Sharing:
    • While CNSA has been relatively reserved in sharing mission updates, international scientific collaborations depend on data access.
    • The extent of data sharing and collaboration with foreign research groups remains to be seen.

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Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.  China's Chang'e 6 mission represents a critical step in lunar exploration, potentially unlocking new scientific insights about the moon's far side. Discuss. (150 Words)