Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.China aims to launch its first unmanned lunar lander by the end of this year, complete with a radio-controlled rover to transmit images and dig into the surface to test samples.
The Chang’e 3 lander has officially moved from the design to the launch stage, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence said.
It and another lander will remain on the moon’s surface, although China plans to follow those with landers that will return to Earth with samples. A staffed lunar mission could also be launched if officials decide to combine the human spaceflight and lunar exploration programmes.
China has recently focused on its manned programme, sending two missions to temporarily crew the Tiangong 1 experimental space station. Launched in 2011, the station is due to be replaced by a three-module permanent station, Tiangong 2, in seven years.
China sent its first astronaut into space in 2003.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments