Smart Mini Rover Captures Stunning Image of Chang’e-6 on the Far Side of the Moon

Beijing, March 8 (Xinhua) – China’s Smart Mini Rover has captured a photograph of the Chang’e-6 probe that landed on the far side of the moon, marking a historic moment in lunar exploration. Launched in December 2022, the probe consisted of a lander, rover, and orbiter. The Smart Mini Rover, designed and developed by China University of Geosciences (Beijing), was deployed by the lander in June 2023. The rover embarked on a mission to explore the lunar regolith, collect samples, and image the Chang’e-6 probe. Utilizing its high-resolution cameras, the rover managed to capture a detailed photograph of the Chang’e-6 lander and its footprints on the moon’s surface. The photograph, which was transmitted back to Earth, provides valuable insights into the probe’s landing site and mission progress. It also showcases the capabilities of the Smart Mini Rover and the advancements made in China’s lunar exploration technology. The far side of the moon is often referred to as the “dark side” as it is not directly visible from Earth. The Chang’e-6 mission is China’s first attempt to explore this uncharted region, which is believed to hold immense scientific value. The Smart Mini Rover will continue to conduct scientific investigations on the moon’s far side, collecting data on its geological composition and assessing its potential for future exploration. This latest achievement underscores China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the moon and beyond.China’s Chang’e-6 Probe Captures Historic Image of Lunar Lander on Far Side of Moon

China’s Chang’e-6 Probe Captures Historic Image of Lunar Lander on Far Side of Moon

A remarkable photograph captured by China’s Chang’e-6 probe has provided a glimpse of the combined lander and ascent module on the far side of the Moon. This image marks a significant milestone in human lunar exploration. The photograph was taken by a mini-rover released from the Chang’e-6 probe. The mission successfully collected samples from the far side of the Moon and is currently orbiting the lunar surface, awaiting the optimal time for its return journey. The mini-rover, equipped with autonomous and intelligent navigation capabilities, detached from the lander and maneuvered to a suitable position. It then selected an ideal angle for photography and captured the image. Weighing only 5 kilograms, the mini-rover is significantly lighter than previous Chinese lunar rovers. Despite its compact size, it boasts advanced autonomous intelligence. Its successful operation demonstrates China’s progress in developing autonomous intelligence for deep space exploration. This technological advancement will play a crucial role in future lunar exploration missions. The photograph serves as a testament to the capabilities of China’s space program and its commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the lunar surface.

Smart Mini Rover Captures Photograph of Chang’e-6 on Far Side of Moon

BEIJING, Feb. 08 (Xinhua) — China’s rover, Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2), has captured a photograph of the Chang’e-6 probe that landed on the far side of the moon on Sunday. The photograph was taken by Yutu-2’s panoramic camera at 10:40 a.m. Sunday (Beijing Time) from its current location on the Von Kármán crater at about 12 kilometers from the Chang’e-6. The image shows the Chang’e-6 probe sitting on the lunar surface, partially covered by a shadow cast by rugged terrain. The Chang’e-6 probe successfully landed on the far side of the moon on Sunday, the second Chinese probe to land on the lunar far side after Chang’e-4 in January 2019. The landing marked the first time humans have landed on the far side of the moon, opening up new possibilities for lunar exploration and research. The Chang’e-6 probe will collect lunar samples and return to Earth for analysis, helping scientists gain a better understanding of the moon’s early history and evolution.