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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Chang'e 3 and LADEE updates -- and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, too, for good measure
Chang'e 3 is just about to land on the Moon, and the LADEE orbiter has begun a new science mission there, while Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is still producing amazing images.
Chang'e 3 departs for the Moon, with amazing images and video
On December 1 at 17:30 UTC, Chang'e 3 launched atop a Long March 3B rocket on a direct lunar transfer trajectory. It is scheduled to enter orbit December 6 and land December 14. The rocket was equipped with cameras that recorded thrilling video of the launch and final departure of the probe.
Somewhere Over the Bay of Rainbows
Pay a visit to the Chang'e 3 lunar landing site.
Chang'e 3 ready to launch to the Moon
A brief update on Chang'e 3, which is scheduled for launch December 2 at 01:30 China time, or December 1 at 17:30 UT / 09:30 PT.
Chang'e 3 may launch December 1 with Yutu rover, will not harm LADEE mission
Yesterday the Chinese space agency held a press briefing about the Chang'e 3 lunar lander. They announced that the rover has been named Yutu (or
Space fan produces animated trailer for Chang'e 3 mission
This animation is cool! It's not an official outreach product, just the hard work of a space enthusiast excited about the upcoming launch of Chang'e 3.
Chang'e 3 update: Rocket shipped to launch site; ten possible rover names announced
China's Chang'e 3 lunar soft lander and rover are proceeding toward a planned December launch. The Long March-3B rocket departed Beijing for the Xichang launch facility yesterday, and is expected to arrive November 1. Meanwhile, 190,000 contest entries have been winnowed to a list of ten possible names for the rover.
Chang'e 3 proceeding toward December 1 launch
News agencies are reporting that China's soft lunar lander and rover, Chang'e 3, has passed its final critical reviews and is now proceeding toward launch.
Chang'e 3 undergoing thermal vacuum testing
China's lunar lander and rover are undergoing some of their last major tests and so are nearly ready for launch.
The Chang'e 3 lunar lander and rover, expected to launch late this year
All of the information I could track down on China's planned Chang'e 3 lunar lander and rover, including videos and a brand-new artist's concept of the rover rolling across the Moon.
Looking ahead to spacecraft activities in 2013
2013 is going to be a busy year in space exploration. Two missions launch to the Moon (LADEE and Chang'E 3), and another two to Mars (MAVEN and India's mission). Curiosity should drive to the Mountain, and Opportunity to the next site on Endeavour's rim. Cassini will be seeing rings and Titan. Others should continue routine operations, except maybe MESSENGER, whose fate after March is not yet decided.