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. 

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