China to start fourth phase of lunar exploration program this year: CNSA

(ECNS) -- China will start the fourth phase of its lunar exploration program this year, said an official from the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Sunday.

Lunar probes of Chang'e-6, Chang'e-7, and Chang'e-8 will be launched and the Chang'e-6 lunar probe is to collect and bring back samples from the far side of the moon, according to Wu Yanhua, vice administrator of CNSA.

China will complete research and development on key technologies and build an international research station on the moon, Wu said, adding that studies on construction of communication and navigation satellites constellation around the moon are underway.