China's lunar probe to be launched next year

People's Daily Online

(People's Daily Online) 17:11, April 26, 2018

China's Chang'e V lunar probe is expected to be launched next year, said Wang Wei, Chinese Academy of Sciences academic and head of research and development under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

According to Wang, the lunar probe will take samples from the moon.

Wang made the remarks at the first China Aerospace Conference on Apr. 24.

Four plans are scheduled in the launch in terms of space exploration, space infrastructure, space entry/exit, and space application, said Tian Yulong, secretary general of China National Space Administration.

Tian said that upon the completion of moon orbiting, landing and returning, China is planning for its fourth strategic step, including landing on the far side, north and south pole of the moon, as well as returning after resampling.

He said that an attended space lab will also be established by China in the future, with an estimated date of around 2022.