Earlier this year, China achieved a new milestone (里程碑) in space exploration. On Jan 3, Chang'e 4 became the first space probe (探测器) in history to successfully land on the far side (dark side) of the moon. After a 26-day journey, it touched softly down on a crater. The whole process of landing lasted 12 minutes, which opened a new page in history of mankind's space exploration.
The far side of the moon is the side that we can not see. We don't know much about it. This landing is of great importance. The far side of the moon is an ideal (理想的) place for scientific research. It may have unique minerals (矿物质) and other resources. Scientists can make clearer observations of deep space from there.
Chang'e 4 has sent back photos of the far side of the moon. It is also being used to carry out experiments. The data (数据) collected from these experiments could be used to help us build a base on the moon in the future. The success of the Chang'e 4 mission (任务) is a major achievement for China's space program.
China launched its lunar (月球的) exploration program in 2004, naming it Chang'e. Chinese scientists set three goals—"orbiting (环绕运行), landing and sample (样本) returning". Chang'e 4 has realized the second goal. The third will be achieved during the Chang'e 5 mission, which is set to take place before the end of this year.
Following the success of the Chang'e missions, Chinese scientists are looking even farther into our solar system (太阳系). China's first Mars mission is expected to be carried out by 2020.
