Chinese robotic moon mission Chang'e-5: launch scheduled in November 2017
During the last decade China have sent to the Moon four robotic mission.
First two were Chang'e-1 and two - they became Moon's satellites. Chang'e-3 brought to the Moon's surface 140 kg, six wheeled rover Yutu (Moon Rabbit). Chang'e-5 traveled to the Moon's orbit, tested various manoevers, and returned test capsule back to Earth.
Next stage - it is announced that sample return mission Chang'e-5 will be launched at the end of November this year.
This will be first mission for new heavy-lift rocket Long March-5 which was tested in the end of the last year. 8,2 metric tons automatic station is comprised of four parts: orbiter, lander, ascending module and capsule to be returned to the Earth.
Image: Chinadaily
If successful, it will first Moon sample return mission since 1976, after Soviet Luna-24 mission.
Another sample return robotic mission, similar to Chang'e-4, is planned for sometime in 2018 - this time it is really unique, because spacecraft will attempt first in the history landing on the dark side of the Moon.
It is so good to see at least one country still interested by the moon. We should go back there first, and use it as a launchpad for other missions (in a mid term or long term goal). But this is just my thought without anything serious to backup it.
I rather think, it should be test ground for deep space missions than launchpad - there is no need to spend resources to fight Moon gravity. Launchpad is better to have in to orbit, maybe in L1 orL2 point
That's true. I have never thought about that but you are fully right! :)
I agree, we can gain alot of experience by setting up a station on the moon. I would love to see people on the moon again.