Entering the 21st century, countries such as those in Europe, the United States, Japan, and India have rapidly set forth their lunar exploration plans.
 |
Smart 1 (Image: Spacetoday) |
On November 15, 2004, Smart 1, Europe’s first lunar probe, entered lunar orbit. This was the world’s first space probe to utilize a solar power system, harnessing energy ten times greater than that of conventional chemical fuel engines. Europe’s lunar exploration goals extend beyond merely conducting technical experiments and scientific research. They also have plans for a “Aurora” project, akin to the “Vision for Space Exploration” proposed by the United States in 2004, ultimately aimed at establishing a base on the Moon and serving as a launchpad for manned missions to Mars.
The German Aerospace Center has called for the establishment of a large telescope on the Moon by 2015, enhancing the exploration of the universe’s mysteries, while facilitating lunar research and the development of a manned scientific research station.
Currently, three Asian countries—Japan, China, and India—are actively pursuing lunar exploration initiatives.
Japan became the third country to successfully launch a lunar probe, “Hiten.” In January 1990, Japan led the way in breaking the previous dominance of the United States and the former Soviet Union. The probe, weighing 182 kg, was designed to study the lunar environment and orbit. In 1993, Hiten successfully landed on the Moon, concluding its mission. Japan, being resource-poor, places significant emphasis on lunar exploration. They hope to secure a position in lunar exploration, which is why they have early plans for establishing a base on the Moon.
On February 25, 2004, China officially announced its lunar exploration project named “Chang’e.” Currently, China is in the process of developing the Chang’e 1 lunar probe, which will use a three-axis stabilization method for lunar orientation. The launch is planned for 2007, with operations set for a polar circular orbit at an altitude of 200 km from the Moon.
 |
Image on the Moon |
The Chang’e 1 probe is set to achieve four major scientific objectives: capturing three-dimensional images of the lunar surface; analyzing the composition of useful elements on the Moon’s surface and the distribution characteristics of material types; conducting the first measurements of micro-radiation on the Moon’s surface; and exploring the lunar space environment. Notably, the fourth objective marks the first time China will gather environmental data from beyond Earth’s static orbit. Currently, the Chang’e 1 satellite has completed its design and preliminary design phase and is conducting specialized experiments. In the future, China also plans to launch lander and sample-return devices.
Another Asian nation, India, also plans to launch its lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, in 2007. This satellite will orbit the Moon, conducting research at an altitude of 100 km in space. If the initial exploration mission is successful, India plans to conduct a second lunar exploration in 2015.
Snow Nhung (According to china.com.cn)
