By Yuling Chen, EDITOR
At 10:26 a.m., January 3, “Chang’e 4” lunar probe touched down at the preselected landing area at 177.6 degrees east longitude and 45.5 degrees south latitude.
Through the relay satellite Queqiao (Magpie Bridge), the probe sent back the first-ever close-up photograph of the moon’s far side. It is the first spacecraft soft-landing on the moon’s uncharted side. This mission also achieved the first relay communication between the moon and earth. Therefore, it opened a new chapter in humanity’s exploration of the moon.
A simulated landing process of Chang'e-4 lunar probe is seen through the monitor at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2019. (Photo by Jin Liwang)
“Made in Chongqing” Mini Biosphere
Moreover, the probe has carried a “mini lunar biosphere”. It is a science payload designed by Chongqing University. This is also the first biological experiment on the moon.
The biosphere is a cylindrical tin made from special aluminum alloy materials. This 18-centimeter-tall tin is 16 centimeters in diameter. It has a net volume of about 0.8 liters and a weight of 3 kilograms. The tin can also contain potato and Arabidopsis seeds, silkworm eggs, soil, water, and air. In addition, it can hold scientific research equipment such as camera and data transmission system.
This biosphere will carry the above eggs and seeds to the surface of the moon for incubation and cultivation. Thus the research will provide a guarantee for human survival on the moon and even other planets in the future.
This bio experiment aims to realize a life cycle of plants and animals on the lunar surface. As the two kinds of seeds take root and sprout, the moon will usher in the first flower. It is different from the one blooming at the International Space Station, more than 300 kilometers above the earth. Due to the location of 380,000 kilometers away from the earth, this biosphere is farther than the station. So the latter distance also makes the lunar environment more complicated.
Meanwhile, since potatoes can serve as a source of food for human survival in space, it boasts greater experimental value. At that time, the minicamera will show this bio experiment to the people around the world.
Source: CQCB