China’s third lunar probe, Chang’e-3, is expected to be launched next year and conduct a moon landing and lunar explorations, its designer said. Different from the previous two orbiters, Chang’e-3 has “legs” to support the spacecraft in landing, said Ye Peijian, chief commander of Chang’e-3 at China Academy of Space Technology. The orbiter will carry a lunar rover... 

China’s space agency has unveiled a unique detailed map illustrating the best view of the lunar surface ever seen by a Chinese spacecraft. The map is made up of high-resolution photos taken by China’s second lunar probe, Chang’e 2 orbiter, which have been stitched together into a complete view. “The Chang’e 2 lunar map is the highest-resolution view of the moon ever recorded,”...