Chang'e 4#Queqiao relay satellite

File:CE4 landing zone.jpg of the Moon, which is not visible from Earth due to tidal locking. ]]

The Chinese Lunar Exploration Program is designed to be conducted in four[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7FiaHwv-BI Chang'e 4 press conference] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215210219/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7FiaHwv-BI |date=15 December 2020 }}. CNSA, broadcast on 14 January 2019. phases of incremental technological advancement: The first is simply reaching lunar orbit, a task completed by Chang'e 1 in 2007 and Chang'e 2 in 2010. The second is landing and roving on the Moon, as Chang'e 3 did in 2013 and Chang'e 4 did in 2019. The third is collecting lunar samples from the near-side and sending them to Earth, a task Chang'e 5 completed in 2020, and Chang'e 6 that completed in 2024. The fourth phase consists of development of a robotic research station near the Moon's south pole.[http://epizodsspace.airbase.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/Chinese_Journal_of_Space_Science/2018/5/Xu_et_al_China's_Planning_---_before_2030_Chin_J_Space_Sci_38_(2018).pdf China's Planning for Deep Space Exploration and Lunar Exploration before 2030] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303084605/http://epizodsspace.airbase.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/Chinese_Journal_of_Space_Science/2018/5/Xu_et_al_China%27s_Planning_---_before_2030_Chin_J_Space_Sci_38_%282018%29.pdf |date=3 March 2021 }}. (PDF) XU Lin, ZOU Yongliao, JIA Yingzhuo. Space Sci., 2018, 38(5): 591-592. {{doi|10.11728/cjss2018.05.591}}[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018cosp...42E3886Z A Tentative Plan of China to Establish a Lunar Research Station in the Next Ten Years] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215210219/https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018cosp...42E3886Z/abstract |date=15 December 2020 }}. Zou, Yongliao; Xu, Lin; Jia, Yingzhuo. 42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 14–22 July 2018, in Pasadena, California, USA, Abstract id. B3.1-34-18.

The program aims to facilitate a crewed lunar landing in the 2030s and possibly the building of an outpost near the south pole.[https://qz.com/1262581/china-lays-out-its-ambitions-to-colonize-the-moon-and-build-a-lunar-palace/ China lays out its ambitions to colonize the moon and build a "lunar palace"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129225204/https://qz.com/1262581/china-lays-out-its-ambitions-to-colonize-the-moon-and-build-a-lunar-palace/ |date=29 November 2018 }}. Echo Huang, Quartz. 26 April 2018.[https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/31/china-mission-to-far-side-of-the-moon-space-discovery China's moon mission to boldly go a step further] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231234856/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/31/china-mission-to-far-side-of-the-moon-space-discovery |date=31 December 2017 }}. Stuart Clark, The Guardian 31 December 2017. The Chinese Lunar Exploration Program has started to incorporate private investment from individuals and enterprises for the first time, a move aimed at accelerating aerospace innovation, cutting production costs, and promoting military{{endash}}civilian relationships.{{cite web |title=China Outlines New Rockets, Space Station and Moon Plans |url = http://www.space.com/28809-china-rocket-family-moon-plans.html |publisher=Space |access-date=27 March 2015 |date=17 March 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160701055507/http://www.space.com/28809-china-rocket-family-moon-plans.html|archive-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live }}

This mission will attempt to determine the age and composition of an unexplored region of the Moon, as well as develop technologies required for the later stages of the program.[https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/chinas-moon-missions-are-anything-pointless-180961633/#Zpc3eSWaxZmLBavY.99 China's Moon Missions Are Anything But Pointless] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410131643/https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/chinas-moon-missions-are-anything-pointless-180961633/#Zpc3eSWaxZmLBavY.99 |date=10 April 2019 }}. Paul D. Spudis, Air & Space Smithsonian. 3 January 2017.

The landing craft touched down at 02:26 UTC on 3 January 2019, becoming the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the Moon. Yutu-2 rover was deployed about 12 hours after the landing.

The Chang'e 4 mission was first scheduled for launch in 2015 as part of the second phase of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.{{cite web |title=Ouyang Ziyuan portrayed Chang E project follow-up blueprint |url=http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2011/12/256719.shtm |publisher=Science Times |access-date=25 June 2012 |date=9 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203220856/http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2011/12/256719.shtm|archive-date=3 February 2012|url-status=live }}{{cite journal |title=China's Moon rover awake but immobile |journal=Nature |url=http://www.nature.com/news/china-s-moon-rover-awake-but-immobile-1.14906 |access-date=25 March 2014 |date=19 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323091607/http://www.nature.com/news/china-s-moon-rover-awake-but-immobile-1.14906|archive-date=23 March 2014|url-status=live |doi=10.1038/nature.2014.14906 |last1=Witze |first1=Alexandra|s2cid=131617225 }} But the adjusted objectives and design of the mission imposed delays, and finally launched on 7 December 2018, 18:23 UTC.[https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/07/china-launches-historic-mission-to-land-on-far-side-of-the-moon/ China launches historic mission to land on far side of the moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207220805/https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/07/china-launches-historic-mission-to-land-on-far-side-of-the-moon/ |date=7 December 2018 }} Stephen Clark, Spaceflight Now. 7 December 2018.

The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on 12 December 2018, 08:45 UTC.{{cite news |title=China's Chang'e-4 probe decelerates near moon |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-12/12/c_137668994.htm |work=Xinhua |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212181210/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-12/12/c_137668994.htm |archive-date=12 December 2018 }} The orbit's perilune was lowered to {{Convert|15|km|abbr=on}} on 30 December 2018, 00:55 UTC.{{cite news |title=China's Chang'e-4 probe changes orbit to prepare for moon-landing |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-12/30/c_137708555.htm |website = XinhuaNet |date=30 December 2018 |access-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051417/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-12/30/c_137708555.htm |archive-date=1 January 2019 }}

Landing took place on 3 January 2019 at 02:26 UTC, shortly after lunar sunrise over the Von Kármán crater in the large South Pole-Aitken basin.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Andrew |title=How the Chang'e-4 spacecraft will land on the far side of the Moon |url=https://gbtimes.com/how-the-change-4-spacecraft-will-land-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon |work=GBTIMES |date=31 December 2018 |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102192038/https://gbtimes.com/how-the-change-4-spacecraft-will-land-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon |archive-date=2 January 2019 }}

An ancient collision event on the Moon left behind a very large crater, called the Aitken Basin, that is now about {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} deep, and it is thought that the massive impactor likely exposed the deep lunar crust, and probably the mantle materials. If Chang'e 4 can find and study some of this material, it would get an unprecedented view into the Moon's internal structure and origins. The specific scientific objectives are:[https://www.space.com/32964-china-moon-far-side-mission-science-goals.html To the Far Side of the Moon: China's Lunar Science Goals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010400/https://www.space.com/32964-china-moon-far-side-mission-science-goals.html |date=10 March 2018 }}. Leonard David, Space. 9 June 2016.

• Measure the chemical compositions of lunar rocks and soils
• Measure lunar surface temperature over the duration of the mission.
• Carry out low-frequency radio astronomical observation and research using a radio telescope
• Study of cosmic rays
• Observe the solar corona, investigate its radiation characteristics and mechanism, and explore the evolution and transport of coronal mass ejections (CME) between the Sun and Earth.

{{Main|Queqiao relay satellite}}

File:20180912 6258TPS-TPR-2018Q3-18-09-04-p14legacy.png

File:Lagrangianpointsanimated.gif around L₂, which is behind the Moon, will have a view of both the Earth and the Moon's far side]]

Direct communication with Earth is impossible on the far side of the Moon, since transmissions are blocked by the Moon. Communications must go through a communications relay satellite, which is placed at a location that has a clear view of both the landing site and the Earth. As part of the Lunar Exploration Program, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) launched the Queqiao ({{zh|s=鹊桥|hp=Quèqiáo|c=|t=|l=Magpie Bridge}}) relay satellite on 20 May 2018 to a halo orbit around the Earth–Moon L₂ point.{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |title=China Launching Relay Satellite Toward Moon's Far Side Sunday |url=https://www.space.com/40626-china-launching-moon-mission-sunday-change-4.html |work=Space.com |date=18 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518183823/https://www.space.com/40626-china-launching-moon-mission-sunday-change-4.html |archive-date=18 May 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2016/01141307-updates-on-change-program.html |title=Updates on China's lunar missions |date=14 January 2016 |access-date=24 April 2016 |publisher=The Planetary Society |author=Emily Lakdawalla |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160417061245/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2016/01141307-updates-on-change-program.html |archive-date= 17 April 2016 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |url = https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-satellite-named-magpie-bridge-from-folklore-tale-of-lovers-crossing-the-milky-way |title=Chang'e-4 lunar far side satellite named 'magpie bridge' from folklore tale of lovers crossing the Milky Way |work=GBTimes |date=24 April 2018 |access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424104558/https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-satellite-named-magpie-bridge-from-folklore-tale-of-lovers-crossing-the-milky-way |archive-date=24 April 2018 |url-status=live }} The relay satellite is based on the Chang'e 2 design,[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/cnsa_moon_future.html Future Chinese Lunar Missions: Chang'e 4 - Farside Lander and Rover] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104200441/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/cnsa_moon_future.html |date=4 January 2019 }}. David R. Williams, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. 7 December 2018. has a mass of {{Convert|425|kg|abbr=on}}, and it uses a {{Convert|4.2|m|abbr=on}} antenna to receive X band signals from the lander and rover, and relay them to Earth control on the S band.[http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/0519-change-4-relay-satellite.html Chang'e 4 relay satellite, Queqiao: A bridge between Earth and the mysterious lunar farside] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521001050/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/0519-change-4-relay-satellite.html |date=21 May 2018 }}. Xu, Luyan, The Planetary Society. 19 May 2018. Retrieved on 20 May 2018

The spacecraft took 24 days to reach L₂, using a lunar swing-by to save fuel.{{cite news |last1=Xu |first1=Luyuan |title=How China's lunar relay satellite arrived in its final orbit |url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/20180615-queqiao-orbit-explainer.html |work=The Planetary Society |date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017123833/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/20180615-queqiao-orbit-explainer.html |archive-date=17 October 2018}} On 14 June 2018, Queqiao finished its final adjustment burn and entered the L₂ halo mission orbit, which is about {{Convert|65000|km||abbr=}} from the Moon. This is the first lunar relay satellite at this location.

The name Queqiao ("Magpie Bridge") was inspired by and came from the Chinese tale The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

{{anchor|Longjiang|Longjiang 1|Longjiang 2}}

As part of the Chang'e 4 mission, two microsatellites ({{Convert|45|kg||abbr=on|disp=or}} each) named Longjiang-1 and Longjiang-2 ({{zh|s=龙江|p=Lóng Jiāng|l=Dragon River}};[https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/dutch-radio-antenna-hitches-ride-chinas-moon-relay-orbiter/ Radio Experiment Launches With China's Moon Orbiter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126081847/https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/dutch-radio-antenna-hitches-ride-chinas-moon-relay-orbiter/ |date=26 January 2020 }}. David Dickinson, Sky & Telescope. 21 May 2018. also known as Discovering the Sky at Longest Wavelengths Pathfinder or DSLWP [https://www.leonarddavid.com/china-moon-mission-lunar-microsatellite-problem/ China Moon Mission: Lunar Microsatellite Problem?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417015125/https://www.leonarddavid.com/china-moon-mission-lunar-microsatellite-problem/ |date=17 April 2019 }}. Leonard David, Inside Outer Space. 27 May 2018.), were launched along with Queqiao in May 2018. Both satellites were developed by Harbin Institute of Technology, China.{{cite news|url=https://www.planetary.org/articles/longjiang-2-impacts-moon|title=Lunar Orbiter Longjiang-2 Smashes into Moon|author=Andrew Jones|date=August 5, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304024840/https://www.planetary.org/articles/longjiang-2-impacts-moon|url-status=live}} Longjiang-1 failed to enter lunar orbit, but Longjiang-2 succeeded and operated in lunar orbit until 31 July 2019 when it was deliberately directed to crash onto the Moon.{{cite tweet |user=planet4589 |number=1156732417950048256 |title=The Chinese Longjiang-2 (DSLWP-B) lunar orbiting spacecraft completed its mission on Jul 31 at about 1420 UTC, in a planned i[m]pact on the lunar surface. |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=1 August 2019}}

Longjiang 2's crash site is located at {{Coord|16.6956|N|159.5170|E|globe:moon|display=inline|name=Longjiang-2 impact site}} inside Van Gent crater, where it made a 4 by 5 metre crater upon impact.{{Cite web|url=http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/1132|title=Longjiang-2 Impact Site Found! {{!}} Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera|website=lroc.sese.asu.edu|access-date=14 November 2019|archive-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114193658/http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/1132|url-status=live}}

These microsatellites were tasked to observe the sky at very low frequencies (1–30 megahertz), corresponding to wavelengths of {{Convert|300 to 10|m||abbr=}}, with the aim of studying energetic phenomena from celestial sources.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |url=https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy |title=Chang'e-4 lunar far side mission to carry microsatellites for pioneering astronomy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010741/https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy |archive-date=10 March 2018 |url-status=live |work=GB Times |date=1 March 2018 |access-date=1 August 2019}} Due to the Earth's ionosphere, no observations in this frequency range have been done in Earth orbit, offering potential breakthrough science.

{{anchor|Yutu 2|Chang'e 4|Yutu|Chang'e}}

{{main|Yutu-2}}

File:ChangE-4 - PCAM (51216550288).png rover deployment.]]

The Chang'e 4 lander and rover design was modeled after Chang'e-3 and its Yutu rover. In fact, Chang'e 4 was built as a backup to Chang'e 3,{{cite journal|doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2016.06.024|title=A Chang'e-4 mission concept and vision of future Chinese lunar exploration activities|journal=Acta Astronautica|volume=127|pages=678–683|year=2016|last1=Wang|first1=Qiong|last2=Liu|first2=Jizhong|bibcode=2016AcAau.127..678W}} and based on the experience and results from that mission, Chang'e 4 was adapted to the specifics of the new mission.[https://spacenews.com/pioneering-change-4-lunar-far-side-landing-mission-to-launch-in-december/ Pioneering Chang'e-4 lunar far side landing mission to launch in December]. Andrew Jones, Space News. 15 August 2018. The lander and rover were launched by Long March 3B rocket on 7 December 2018, 18:23 UTC, six months after the launch of the Queqiao relay satellite.

The total landing mass is {{Convert|1200|kg|abbr=on}}. Both the stationary lander and Yutu-2 rover are equipped with a radioisotope heater unit (RHU) in order to heat their subsystems during the long lunar nights,[https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=8544971 China Shoots for the Moon's Far Side] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104235133/https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=8544971 |date=4 January 2019 }}. (PDF) IEEE.org. 2018. while electrical power is generated by solar panels.

After landing, the lander extended a ramp to deploy the Yutu-2 rover (literally: "Jade Rabbit") to the lunar surface. The rover measures 1.5 × 1.0 × 1.0 m (4.9 × 3.3 × 3.3 ft) and has a mass of {{Convert|140|kg|abbr=on}}. Yutu-2 rover was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology; it is solar-powered, RHU-heated, and it is propelled by six wheels. The rover's nominal operating time is three months, but after the experience with Yutu rover in 2013, the rover design was improved and Chinese engineers are hopeful it will operate for "a few years".[https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2180108/chinas-change-4-spacecraft-attempt-historic-landing-dark-side China's Chang'e 4 spacecraft to try historic landing on far side of Moon 'between January 1 and 3'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002403/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2180108/chinas-change-4-spacecraft-attempt-historic-landing-dark-side |date=2 January 2019 }}. South China Morning Post. 31 December 2018. On November 21, 2019, Yutu 2 broke the lunar longevity record, of 322 Earth days, previously held by the Soviet Union's Lunokhod 1 rover (Nov. 17, 1970 to Oct. 4, 1971).[https://www.space.com/china-change-4-rover-moon-record.html China's Farside Moon Rover Breaks Lunar Longevity Record.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224213504/https://www.space.com/china-change-4-rover-moon-record.html |date=24 December 2020 }} Leonard David, Space.com. 12 December 2019.

The communications relay satellite, orbiting microsatellite, lander and rover each carry scientific payloads. The relay satellite is performing radio astronomy,[http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/change-4-relay.htm Chang'e 4 Relay] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082359/http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/change-4-relay.htm |date=1 January 2018 }}. Gunter Drunk Krebs, Gunter's Space Page. whereas the lander and Yutu-2 rover will study the geophysics of the landing zone.[https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/chinas-journey-lunar-far-side-missed-opportunity-180963703/ China's Journey to the Lunar Far Side: A Missed Opportunity?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209165304/https://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/chinas-journey-lunar-far-side-missed-opportunity-180963703/ |date=9 December 2018 }} Paul D. Spudis, Air & Space Smithsonian. 14 June 2017.[http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2016/06220913-plans-for-change4.html Plans for China's farside Chang'e 4 lander science mission taking shape] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623135042/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2016/06220913-plans-for-change4.html |date=23 June 2016 }}. Emily Lakdawalla, The Planetary Society, 22 June 2016. The science payloads are, in part, supplied by international partners in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web |url=https://gbtimes.com/testing-on-chinas-change-4-lunar-far-side-lander-and-rover-steps-up-in-preparation-for-launch |title=Testing on China's Chang'e-4 lunar far side lander and rover steps up in preparation for launch |author=Andrew Jones |work=GBTimes |date=11 January 2018 |access-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112135356/https://gbtimes.com/testing-on-chinas-change-4-lunar-far-side-lander-and-rover-steps-up-in-preparation-for-launch |archive-date=12 January 2018 }}

===Relay satellite===

The primary function of the Queqiao relay satellite that is deployed in a halo orbit around the Earth–Moon L₂ point is to provide continuous relay communications between Earth and the lander on the far side of the Moon.

The Queqiao launched on 21 May 2018. It used a lunar swing-by transfer orbit to reach the Moon. After the first trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs), the spacecraft is in place. On 25 May, Queqiao approached the vicinity of the L₂. After several small adjustments, Queqiao arrived at L₂ halo orbit on 14 June.{{cite web |url=https://gbtimes.com/china-launches-queqiao-relay-satellite-to-support-change-4-lunar-far-side-landing-mission |title=China launches Queqiao relay satellite to support Chang'e 4 lunar far side landing mission |work=GBTimes |first=Andrew |last=Jones |date=21 May 2018 |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522112109/https://gbtimes.com/china-launches-queqiao-relay-satellite-to-support-change-4-lunar-far-side-landing-mission |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/20180615-queqiao-orbit-explainer.html |title=How China's lunar relay satellite arrived in its final orbit |author=Luyuan Xu |website=planetary.org |date=15 June 2018 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221110214/https://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2018/20180615-queqiao-orbit-explainer.html |url-status=live }}

Additionally, this satellite hosts the Netherlands–China Low-Frequency Explorer (NCLE), an instrument performing astrophysical studies in the unexplored radio regime of 80 kilohertz to 80 megahertz.{{cite news |last1=David |first1=Leonard |title=Comsat Launch Bolsters China's Dreams for Landing on the Moon's Far Side |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/comsat-launch-bolsters-chinas-dreams-for-landing-on-the-moons-far-side/ |work=Scientific American |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129225206/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/comsat-launch-bolsters-chinas-dreams-for-landing-on-the-moons-far-side/ |archive-date=29 November 2018 }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.astron.nl/r-d-laboratory/ncle/netherlands-china-low-frequency-explorer-ncle |title=Netherlands–China Low-Frequency Explorer (NCLE) |publisher=ASTRON |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410135250/https://www.astron.nl/r-d-laboratory/ncle/netherlands-china-low-frequency-explorer-ncle|archive-date=10 April 2018}} It was developed by the Radboud University in Netherlands and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The NCLE on the orbiter and the LFS on the lander work in synergy performing low-frequency (0.1–80 MHz) radio astronomical observations.

The lander and rover carry scientific payloads to study the geophysics of the landing zone, with a life science and modest chemical analysis capability. The lander is equipped with the following payloads:

• Landing Camera (LCAM), mounted on the bottom of the spacecraft, the camera began to produce a video stream at the height of {{cvt|12|km}} above the lunar surface.
• Terrain Camera (TCAM), mounted on top of the lander and able to rotate 360°, is being used to image the lunar surface and the rover in high definition.
• Low Frequency Spectrometer (LFS) to research solar radio bursts at frequencies between 0.1 and 40 MHz and to study the lunar ionosphere.
• Lunar Lander Neutrons and Dosimetry (LND), a (neutron) dosimeter developed by Kiel University in Germany. It is gathering information about radiation dosimetry for future human exploration of the Moon, and will contribute to solar wind studies.{{Cite journal|last=Wimmer-Schweingruber|first=Robert f.|date=August 18, 2020|title=The Lunar Lander Neutron and Dosimetry (LND) Experiment on Chang'E 4|journal=Space Science Reviews|volume=216|issue=6|pages=104|doi=10.1007/s11214-020-00725-3| arxiv=2001.11028 |bibcode=2020SSRv..216..104W |s2cid=73641057|doi-access=free}}[https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2017/eposter/1320.pdf The Lunar Lander Neutron & Dosimetry (LND) Experiment on Chang'E4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103163403/https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2017/eposter/1320.pdf|date=3 January 2019}}. (PDF) Robert F. Wimmer-Schweingruber, S. Zhang, C. E. Hellweg, Jia Yu, etal. Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik. Germany. It has shown that the radiation dose on the surface of the Moon is 2 to 3 times higher than what astronauts experience in the ISS.{{Cite journal|last=Mann|first=Adam|date=2020-09-25|title=Moon safe for long-term human exploration, first surface radiation measurements show |journal=Science|doi=10.1126/science.abe9386 |doi-access=free |s2cid=224903056 }}{{Cite journal|last=Zhang|first=Shenyi|date=2020-09-25|title=First measurements of the radiation dose on the lunar surface|journal=Science Advances |volume=6 |issue=39 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.aaz1334 |doi-access=free |pmid=32978156 |pmc=7518862 |bibcode=2020SciA....6.1334Z }}
• Lunar Micro Ecosystem,[https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2018/pdf/1438.pdf Geological Characteristics of Chang'e-4 Landing Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531071046/https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2018/pdf/1438.pdf |date=31 May 2018 }}. (PDF) Jun Huang, Zhiyong Xiao, Jessica Flahaut, Mélissa Martinot, Xiao Xiao. 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2018 (LPI Contrib. No. 2083). is a {{cvt|3|kg|abbr=on}} sealed biosphere cylinder {{cvt|18|cm}} long and {{cvt|16|cm}} in diameter with seeds and insect eggs to test whether plants and insects could hatch and grow together in synergy. The experiment includes six types of organisms:{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2182111/chinese-lunar-landers-cotton-seeds-lead-way-plant-life-germinates|title=Chinese lunar lander's cotton seeds spring to life on far side of the moon|last1=Zheng|first1=William|date=15 January 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116174611/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2182111/chinese-lunar-landers-cotton-seeds-lead-way-plant-life-germinates|url-status=live}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20190115120435/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/15/c_137745432.htm Moon sees first cotton-seed sprout. Xinhua News. 15 January 2019.] cottonseed, potato, rapeseed, Arabidopsis thaliana (a flowering plant), as well as yeast and fruit fly{{Cite web |url=http://english.cqu.edu.cn/info/1038/1941.htm |title=Change-4 Probe lands on the moon with "mysterious passenger" of CQU |access-date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=18 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118105154/http://english.cqu.edu.cn/info/1038/1941.htm |url-status=live }} eggs. Environmental systems keep the container hospitable and Earth-like, except for the low lunar gravity and radiation.[https://www.inverse.com/article/52175-china-chang-e-4-far-side-moon-landing-worms China Is About to Land Living Eggs on the Far Side of the Moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102213939/https://www.inverse.com/article/52175-china-chang-e-4-far-side-moon-landing-worms |date=2 January 2019 }}. Yasmin Tayag, Inverse. 2 January 2019. If the fly eggs hatch, the larvae would produce carbon dioxide, while the germinated plants would release oxygen through photosynthesis. It was hoped that together, the plants and fruit flies could establish a simple synergy within the container.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Yeast would play a role in regulating carbon dioxide and oxygen, as well as decomposing processed waste from the flies and the dead plants to create an additional food source for the insects. The biological experiment was designed by 28 Chinese universities.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46724727 |title=Chang'e-4: China mission primed for landing on Moon's far side |first=Paul |last=Rincon |work=BBC News |date=2 January 2019 |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103000252/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46724727 |archive-date=3 January 2019 |url-status=live}} Research in such closed ecological systems informs astrobiology and the development of biological life support systems for long duration missions in space stations or space habitats for eventual space farming.[http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-and-science/science/space-2018-china-mission-will-create-miniature-ecosystem-on-moon/article/511479 Space 2018: China mission will create miniature ecosystem on Moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404035410/http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-and-science/science/space-2018-china-mission-will-create-miniature-ecosystem-on-moon/article/511479 |date=4 April 2018 }}. Karen Graham, Digital Journal. 6 January 2018.[https://gbtimes.com/forget-stratospheric-chicken-sandwich-china-sending-potato-seeds-and-silkworms-moon Forget the stratospheric chicken sandwich, China is sending potato seeds and silkworms to the Moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917115252/http://gbtimes.com/forget-stratospheric-chicken-sandwich-china-sending-potato-seeds-and-silkworms-moon |date=17 September 2017 }}. Andrew Jones, GB Times. 14 June 2017.[http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-04/12/c_137106440.htm China Focus: Flowers on the Moon? China's Chang'e-4 to launch lunar spring] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227200955/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-04/12/c_137106440.htm |date=27 December 2018 }}. Xinhua (in English). 4 April 2018.

:Result: Within a few hours after landing on 3 January 2019, the biosphere's temperature was adjusted to 24°C and the seeds were watered. On 15 January 2019, it was reported that cottonseed, rapeseed and potato seeds had sprouted, but images of only cottonseed were released. However, on 16 January, it was reported that the experiment was terminated due to an external temperature drop to {{cvt|-52|C|F}} as the lunar night set in, and a failure to warm the biosphere close to 24°C.[https://gbtimes.com/lunar-nighttime-brings-end-to-change-4-biosphere-experiment-and-cotton-sprouts Lunar nighttime brings end to Chang'e-4 biosphere experiment and cotton sprouts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729040158/https://gbtimes.com/lunar-nighttime-brings-end-to-change-4-biosphere-experiment-and-cotton-sprouts |date=29 July 2019 }}. Andrew Jones, GB Times. 16 January 2019. The experiment was terminated after nine days instead of the planned 100 days, but valuable information was obtained.[https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/17/asia/china-moon-seed-dead-intl/index.html China's first plant to grow on the moon is already dead] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117130927/https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/17/asia/china-moon-seed-dead-intl/index.html |date=17 January 2019 }}. Yong Xiong and Ben Westcott, CNN News. 17 January 2019.

• Panoramic Camera (PCAM), is installed on the rover's mast and can rotate 360°. It has a spectral range of 420 nm–700 nm and it acquires 3D images by binocular stereovision.[http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf The scientific objectives and payloads of Chang'E−4 mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819083527/http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf |date=19 August 2019 }}. (PDF) Yingzhuo Jia, Yongliao Zou, Jinsong Ping, Changbin Xue, Jun Yan, Yuanming Ning. Planetary and Space Science. 21 February 2018. {{doi|10.1016/j.pss.2018.02.011}}
• Lunar penetrating radar (LPR), is a ground penetrating radar with a probing depth of approximately 30 m with 30 cm vertical resolution, and more than 100 m with 10 m vertical resolution.
• Visible and Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (VNIS), for imaging spectroscopy that can then be used for identification of surface materials and atmospheric trace gases. The spectral range covers visible to near-infrared wavelengths (450 nm - 950 nm).
• Advanced Small Analyzer for Neutrals (ASAN), is an energetic neutral atom analyzer provided by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF). It will reveal how solar wind interacts with the lunar surface, which may help determine the process behind the formation of lunar water.{{Cite web |url=https://gbtimes.com/sweden-joins-chinas-historic-mission-land-far-side-moon?feature=chinas-change-4-mission-to-the-far-side-of-the-moon |title=Sweden joins China's historic mission to land on the far side of the Moon in 2018 |author=Andrew Jones |work=GBTimes |date=16 May 2016 |access-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114659/https://gbtimes.com/sweden-joins-chinas-historic-mission-land-far-side-moon?feature=chinas-change-4-mission-to-the-far-side-of-the-moon |archive-date=6 October 2018 }}

According to the deputy project director, who would not quote an exact amount, "The cost (of the entire mission) is close to building one kilometer of subway."[http://www.ecns.cn/m/news/sci-tech/2019-07-31/detail-ifzmnmiq8702425.shtml ECNS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319022338/http://www.ecns.cn/m/news/sci-tech/2019-07-31/detail-ifzmnmiq8702425.shtml |date=19 March 2023 }} 2019-07-31 The cost-per-kilometre of subway in China varies from 500 million yuan (about US$72 million) to 1.2 billion yuan (about US$172 million), based on the difficulty of construction.

The landing site is within a crater called Von Kármán ({{cvt|180|km}} diameter) in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon that was still unexplored by landers.{{cite journal|doi=10.1007/s11431-016-9034-6|title=An overview of the mission and technical characteristics of Change'4 Lunar Probe|journal=Science China Technological Sciences|volume=60|issue=5|page=658|year=2017|last1=Ye|first1=Peijian|last2=Sun|first2=Zezhou|last3=Zhang|first3=He|last4=Li|first4=Fei|bibcode=2017ScChE..60..658Y|s2cid=126303995}}{{cite news |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_Plans_First_Ever_Landing_on_the_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon_999.html|title=China Plans First Ever Landing on the Lunar Far Side|date=22 May 2015|publisher=Space Daily |access-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526115025/http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_Plans_First_Ever_Landing_on_the_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon_999.html|archive-date=26 May 2015 |url-status=live}} The site has symbolic as well as scientific value. Theodore von Kármán was the PhD advisor of Qian Xuesen, the founder of the Chinese space program.{{cite web |title=Hsue-Shen Tsien|url=https://www.genealogy.math.ndsu.nodak.edu/id.php?id=114672|website=Mathematics Genealogy Project|access-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124216/https://www.genealogy.math.ndsu.nodak.edu/id.php?id=114672|archive-date=9 December 2018|url-status=live}}

The landing craft touched down at 02:26 UTC on 3 January 2019, becoming the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the Moon.{{cite news|date=3 January 2019|title=Chang'e 4: China probe lands on far side of the moon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=3 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103043232/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}

The Yutu-2 rover was deployed about 12 hours after the landing.[https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46760729 Chang'e-4: Chinese rover now exploring Moon] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104164957/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46760729|date=4 January 2019}} Paul Rincon BBC News 4 January 2019

The selenographic coordinates of the landing site are 177.5991°E, 45.4446°S, at an elevation of -5935 m.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/chinas-change-moon-probe-we-finally-know-exactly-where-spacecraft-landed/|title=China's Chang'e moon probe: We finally know exactly where the spacecraft landed|last=Mack|first=Eric|website=CNET|access-date=25 September 2019|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925123556/https://www.cnet.com/news/chinas-change-moon-probe-we-finally-know-exactly-where-spacecraft-landed/|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last1=Liu |first1=Jianjun|last2=Ren|first2=Xin|last3=Yan|first3=Wei|last4=Li|first4=Chunlai|last5=Zhang|first5=He|last6=Jia|first6=Yang|last7=Zeng|first7=Xingguo|last8=Chen|first8=Wangli|last9=Gao|first9=Xingye|last10=Liu|first10=Dawei|last11=Tan|first11=Xu|date=24 September 2019|title=Descent trajectory reconstruction and landing site positioning of Chang'e 4 on the lunar farside|journal=Nature Communications|volume=10 |issue=1|pages=4229|doi=10.1038/s41467-019-12278-3|pmid=31551413|pmc=6760200|bibcode=2019NatCo..10.4229L|issn=2041-1723}} The landing site was later (February 2019) named Statio Tianhe.{{cite news|title=Chang'e-4 landing site named "Statio Tianhe"|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-02/15/c_137824960_2.htm|date=15 February 2019|publisher=Xinhua|access-date=29 June 2024}} Four other lunar features were also named during this mission: a mountain (Mons Tai) and three craters (Zhinyu, Hegu, and Tianjin).{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/china-moon-far-side-change-4-landing-site-name.html|title=China's Landing Site on the Far Side of the Moon Now Has a Name|last=Bartels|first=Meghan|publisher=SPACE.com|date=15 February 2019|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215230803/https://www.space.com/china-moon-far-side-change-4-landing-site-name.html|url-status=live}}

{{Gallery

|title = Images of Chang'e 4 landing site

|width = 280

|height = 280

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|File:LRO Chang'e 4, first look.png|A view of landing site, marked by two small arrows, taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter on 30 January 2019{{cite news|url=http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/1090|title=First Look: Chang'e 4|last=Robinson|first=Mark|publisher=Arizona State University|date=6 February 2019|access-date=8 February 2019|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330051831/http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/1090|url-status=live}}

|File:NASA-Chang'e4-Lander&Rover-OnMoonSurface-20190208.jpg|Chang'e 4 – Lander (left arrow) and Rover (right arrow) on the Moon surface (NASA photo, 8 February 2019).{{cite news|author=NASA|title=Chang'e 4 Rover comes into view|url=https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-02/nsfc-c4r020819.php|date=8 February 2019|publisher=EurekAlert!|access-date=9 February 2019|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607020241/https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-02/nsfc-c4r020819.php|url-status=live}}

|File:Statio Tianhe M1316588439RC.jpg|Chang'e 4 lander (center) and rover (west-northwest of lander) 6 months after landing.

}}

A few days after landing, Yutu-2 went into hibernation for its first lunar night and it resumed activities on 29 January 2019 with all instruments operating nominally. During its first full lunar day, the rover travelled {{cvt|120|m}}, and on 11 February 2019 it powered down for its second lunar night.{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Andrew|url=https://spacenews.com/change-4-powers-down-for-second-lunar-night/ |title=Chang'e-4 powers down for second lunar night|publisher=SpaceNews|date=11 February 2019|access-date=1 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://greatlakesledger.com/2019/02/11/chinese-lunar-probe-change-4-goes-standby-mode-for-the-second-lunar-night-on-the-dark-side-of-the-moon/|title=Chinese Lunar Probe, Chang'e-4, Goes Standby Mode For The Second Lunar Night on The Dark Side of The Moon|last=Caraiman|first=Vadim Ioan|newspaper=Great Lakes Ledger|date=11 February 2019|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-date=16 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216154602/https://greatlakesledger.com/2019/02/11/chinese-lunar-probe-change-4-goes-standby-mode-for-the-second-lunar-night-on-the-dark-side-of-the-moon/|url-status=live}} In May 2019, it was reported that Chang'e 4 has identified what appear to be mantle rocks on the surface, its primary objective.{{cite journal|last1=Ouyang|first1=Ziyuan|last2=Zhang|first2=Hongbo|last3=Su|first3=Yan|last4=Wen|first4=Weibin|last5=Shu|first5=Rong|last6=Chen |first6=Wangli|last7=Zhang|first7=Xiaoxia|last8=Tan|first8=Xu|last9=Xu|first9=Rui|date=May 2019|title=Chang'E-4 initial spectroscopic identification of lunar far-side mantle-derived materials|journal=Nature |volume=569|issue=7756|pages=378–382|doi=10.1038/s41586-019-1189-0|pmid=31092939|issn=1476-4687|bibcode=2019Natur.569..378L|s2cid=205571018}}{{cite web|last=Strickland|first=Ashley|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/15/world/change4-far-side-of-moon-mission-scn/index.html|title=Chinese mission uncovers secrets on the far side of the moon|publisher=CNN|date=15 May 2019|access-date=16 May 2019|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516011907/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/15/world/change4-far-side-of-moon-mission-scn/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Rincon|first=Paul|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48285503|title=Chang'e-4: Chinese rover 'confirms' Moon crater theory|publisher=BBC News|date=15 May 2019|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-date=18 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618165531/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48285503|url-status=live}}

In January 2020, China released a large amount of data and high-resolution images from the mission lander and rover.{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Andrew|title=China releases huge batch of amazing Chang'e-4 images from moon's far side|url=https://www.space.com/china-moon-far-side-lander-rover-photos-14th-lunar-day.html|date=22 January 2020|publisher=SPACE.com|access-date=22 January 2020|archive-date=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122122543/https://www.space.com/china-moon-far-side-lander-rover-photos-14th-lunar-day.html|url-status=live}} In February 2020, Chinese astronomers reported, for the first time, a high-resolution image of a lunar ejecta sequence, and, as well, direct analysis of its internal architecture. These were based on observations made by the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) on board the Yutu-2 rover while studying the far side of the Moon.{{cite news|last=Chang|first=Kenneth|title=China's Rover Finds Layers of Surprise Under Moon's Far Side - The Chang'e-4 mission, the first to land on the lunar far side, is demonstrating the promise and peril of using ground-penetrating radar in planetary science.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/science/china-moon-far-side.html|date=26 February 2020|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226234802/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/science/china-moon-far-side.html|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|author=Li, Chunlai|display-authors=et al.|title=The Moon's farside shallow subsurface structure unveiled by Chang'E-4 Lunar Penetrating Radar|date=26 February 2020|journal=Science Advances|volume=6|issue=9|page=eaay6898|doi=10.1126/sciadv.aay6898|pmid=32133404|pmc=7043921|bibcode=2020SciA....6.6898L }}

Chang'e 4 marks the first major United States-China collaboration in space exploration since the 2011 Congressional ban. Scientists from both countries had regular contact prior to the landing.{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Andrew|url=https://spacenews.com/change-4-spacecraft-enter-lunar-nighttime-china-planning-future-missions-cooperation/|title=Chang'e-4 spacecraft enter lunar nighttime, China planning future missions, cooperation|publisher=SpaceNews|date=15 January 2019|access-date=14 February 2019}} This included talks about observing plumes and particles lofted from the lunar surface by the probe's rocket exhaust during the landing to compare the results with theoretical predictions, but NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was not in the right position for this during the landing.{{cite news|last=David|first=Leonard|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/farside-politics-the-west-eyes-moon-cooperation-with-china/|title=Farside Politics: The West Eyes Moon Cooperation with China|publisher=Scientific American|date=7 February 2019|access-date=14 February 2019|url-access=limited|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213183808/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/farside-politics-the-west-eyes-moon-cooperation-with-china/|url-status=live}} The Americans informed Chinese scientists about its satellites in orbit around the Moon, while the Chinese shared with American scientists the longitude, latitude, and timing of Chang'e 4's landing.{{cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/13/WS5c6387f3a3106c65c34e915b.html|title=Space a new realm for Sino-US cooperation|last=Li|first=Zheng|newspaper=China Daily|date=13 February 2019|access-date=14 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002614/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/13/WS5c6387f3a3106c65c34e915b.html|url-status=live}}

China has agreed to a request from NASA to use the Chang'e 4 probe and Queqiao relay satellite in future American Moon missions.{{cite web|last1=Needham|first1=Kirsty|title=Red moon rising: China's mission to the far side|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/red-moon-rising-china-s-mission-to-the-far-side-20190117-p50s0y.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 January 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043500/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/red-moon-rising-china-s-mission-to-the-far-side-20190117-p50s0y.html|url-status=live}}

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine congratulated China and hailed the success of the mission as "an impressive accomplishment".{{cite news|last=Lyons|first=Kate|title=Chang'e 4 landing: China probe makes historic touchdown on far side of the moon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|access-date=3 January 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103043232/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}

Martin Wieser of the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and principal investigator on one of the instruments onboard Chang'e, said: "We know the far side from orbital images and satellites, but we don't know it from the surface. It's uncharted territory and that makes it very exciting."{{cite news|last=Lyons|first=Kate|title=Chang'e 4 landing: China probe makes historic touchdown on far side of the moon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|access-date=3 January 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103043232/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jan/03/china-probe-change-4-land-far-side-moon-basin-crater|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}

{{wide image |The first panorama from the far side of the moon.jpg|1200px|align-cap=center|The first panorama from the far side of the Moon by Chang'e 4 lander, with the Yutu-2 rover}}

• Animals in space
• Plants in space
• Closed ecological system
• Exploration of the Moon
• List of missions to the Moon
• Luna 3, the first spacecraft to image the lunar far side
• List of artificial objects on the Moon

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20071015034940/http://www.clep.org.cn/ CLEP]
• [https://moon.bao.ac.cn/index_en.jsp Data Release and Information Service System of China's Lunar Exploration Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610022730/https://moon.bao.ac.cn/index_en.jsp |date=10 June 2021 }}
• [http://astronomy.com/news/2019/01/chinas-change-4-mission-lands-on-moons-far-side-snaps-first-image China's Chang'e-4 mission lands on Moon's far side, snaps first image] at Astronomy
• [http://epizodsspace.airbase.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf The scientific objectives and payloads of Chang'E4 mission]

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Category:2018 in China

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Category:Space probes launched in 2018

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Category:2019 on the Moon