Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: In a first, China will send its lunar probe Chang'e 5 on moon which is expected to return with samples in 2017.
As per State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND), it will be the first time a Chinese probe will land on the moon, collect samples and return to Earth in second half next year, and the third stage of China's lunar exploration endeavour.
The first stage of lunar expedition was achieved by sending Chang'e 1, a circumlunar satellite, in 2007.
China landed its first lunar probe Chang'e 3 on the surface of the moon in 2013.
Beijing is also planning to be the first country to land on the far side of the moon. That mission will be carried out by Chang'e-4, a backup for Chang'e-3, and is due to be launched in 2018, according to SASTIND.
(With IANS inputs)
