WHY IS CHINA PROBING THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON?

Source: Hindu

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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:

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