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Photos Western side of Oceanus Procellarum
Last week, Japan announced plans to follow up Selene, which is scheduled to remain operational for one year, with a lunar rover, to be launched in 2015, according to the Japanese newspaper Asahi. The United States, the only country so far to land humans on the lunar surface, plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 and build a scientific base. Earth's companion is starting to be a popular destination. China's first lunar probe, Chang'e 1 went into orbit this week and an Indian spacecraft reportedly is being prepared for launch. China's first lunar rover is scheduled to fly in 2012, with a lunar sample return mission to follow about five years later. China's lunar orbiter is designed to analyze chemical and minerals in the lunar surface and produce three-dimensional images for maps. Chang'e 1's first picture from the moon is due back to Earth later this month. Related Links: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency |
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