The Queqiao ("Magpie Bridge") satellite was blasted into space from the southwestern Xichang launch centre in the pre-dawn hours, according to the China National Space Administration. The satellite will relay communications between controllers on Earth and the far side of the moon, where the Chang'e-4 lunar probe -- named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology -- will be sent later this year. It will be the second Chinese probe to land on the Moon, following the Yutu ("Jade Rabbit") rover mission in 2013. The CNSA is planning to send another lunar rover, Chang'e-5, next year to collect samples and bring them back to Earth. China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of sending humans to the Moon in the near future.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 21, 2018 05:03 UTC