Unic Press UK: On Thursday, January 3, 2019, China’s Chang’e 4 probe made a historic, pioneer touch down on the far side of the moon that scientists claim is never visible from Earth.
Chang’e 4 lunar probe, which was launched on December 8, 2018, is the 1st object to ever land on the far side of the Earth, and this feat has never been done before by any country, including the United States and the Russian Federation.
The Chinese could have landed Chang’e 4 much earlier, on December 12, but they delayed touch down to a time the landing site would be illuminated by the Sun, not in the dark of a lunar night.
The rover is solar-powered and equipped to collect data that would be beneficial toward further information on the history/development of the solar system, radiation in the soil, mineral composition and biosphere on the far side of the Moon.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) administrator, Jim Bridenstine said: “This is a first for humanity and an impressive accomplishment!”
Congratulations to China’s Chang’e-4 team for what appears to be a successful landing on the far side of the Moon. This is a first for humanity and an impressive accomplishment! pic.twitter.com/JfcBVsjRC8
— Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) January 3, 2019