China will launch its Chang'e-4 lunar probe before 2020, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) said Thursday.
The probe will conduct technical experiments and collect data.
The lunar mission will pilot a program that uses private investment from individuals and enterprises for the first time, a move aimed at accelerating aerospace innovation, cutting production costs and promoting military-civilian relationships, said SASTIND.
It will also expand investments allowed into military industry.
Chang'e-4 began as a backup probe for Chang'e-3. Since Chang'ge-3's lander and rover successfully landed on the moon in 2013, Chang'e-4 will be given a new mission, which will be decided after further study.
China has ability but no plan for manned lunar mission: expert
2015-03-07Moon rover Yutu functioning but stationary: Scientist
2015-03-03China‘s lunar probe tests orbit for moon sampling
2015-02-08China at technical preparation stage for Mars, asteroid exploration
2015-03-04Candidates for one-way Mars trip face technical challenges, ridicule
2015-02-27Yutu rover reveals Moon‘s ‘complex‘ geological history
2015-03-13Copyright ©1999-2018
Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.