Short Wave Chang'e-5: To The Moon And Back
Dec 11, 2020
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR science correspondent, dives into China's groundbreaking Chang'e-5 lunar mission, the country's first sample-return effort in over 40 years. He explores how this mission not only aims to unveil lunar secrets but also signifies China's growing ambitions in space. Brumfiel connects the dots between the technological advancements of Chang'e-5 and its cultural roots in the tale of the moon goddess. The conversation further touches on national pride, the potential for international collaboration in a tense geopolitical climate, and what these lunar samples could reveal about our solar system.
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Chang'e 5 Mission
- The Chang'e 5 mission is named after the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e.
- The mission involves retrieving lunar samples, marking a significant event in space exploration.
Robotic Apollo Mission
- The Chang'e 5 mission involves a robotic lander collecting samples and returning to a service module.
- This complex operation is similar to a robotic version of the Apollo missions.
Filling the Gap
- The Chang'e 5 mission targets Mons Rümker, a region believed to hold rocks from a billion years ago.
- These rocks fill a crucial gap in our understanding of the solar system's history.