View source for Chinese Lunar Exploration Program

{{short description|Lunar research program (2004–present)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox space program
| name            = Chinese Lunar Exploration Program
| image           = CLEP.png
| image_size      = 150px
| alt             = 
| caption         = Program insignia: a lunar crescent with two footprints at its center. The symbol resembles 月, the Chinese character for "Moon".
| country         = China
| organization    = [[China National Space Administration]] (CNSA)
| purpose         = [[Robotic spacecraft|Robotic]] [[Exploration of the Moon|Moon missions]]<br> [[Human spaceflight]] (beginning 2030)
| cost            = 
| status          = Ongoing
| duration        = 23 January 2004–present
| firstflight     = [[Chang'e 1]], {{start date text|24 October 2007, 10:05:04.602|timezone=yes}}&nbsp;UTC
| firstcrewed     = 
| lastflight      = [[Chang'e 6]], {{start date text|3 May 2024, 09:27:29.132|timezone=yes}}&nbsp;UTC
| successes       = 9
| failures        = 0
| partialfailures = 
| launchsite      = * [[Xichang Satellite Launch Center]]
* [[Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site]]
| uncrewvehicle   = [[Moon|lunar]] [[orbiter]]s, [[Lander (spacecraft)|landers]], [[Rover (space exploration)|rovers]] and [[Sample return mission|sample return spacecraft]]
| launcher        = * [[Long March (rocket family)|Long March rockets]]
| native_name_a   = 中国探月工程
| native_name_r   = Zhōngguó Tànyuè Gōngchéng
}}
The '''Chinese Lunar Exploration Program''' ('''CLEP'''; {{zh|s=中国探月工程|p=Zhōngguó Tànyuè Gōngchéng}}), also known as the '''Chang'e Project''' ({{zh|s=嫦娥工程|p=Cháng'é Gōngchéng|links=no}}) after the Chinese Moon goddess [[Chang'e]], is an ongoing series of [[Robotic spacecraft|robotic]] [[Exploration of the Moon|Moon missions]] by the [[China National Space Administration]] (CNSA).

== Engineering Program ==
The program encompasses lunar [[orbiter]]s, [[Lander (spacecraft)|landers]], [[Rover (space exploration)|rovers]] and [[Sample return mission|sample return spacecraft]], launched using the [[Long March (rocket family)|Long March series of rockets]]. A [[Chinese crewed lunar lander|human lunar landing component]] may have been added to the program, after China publicly announced crewed lunar landing plans by the year 2030 during a conference in July 2023.<ref name="AJ17072023" />

The program's launches and flights are monitored by a telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) system, which uses {{convert|50|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us|abbr=off}} radio antennas in [[Beijing]] and {{convert|40|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us|abbr=off}} antennas in [[Kunming]], [[Shanghai]], and [[Ürümqi]] to form a {{convert|3000|km|mi|adj=on|sp=us|abbr=off}} [[VLBI]] antenna.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yndaily.com/html/20060317/news_88_1052407.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027132543/http://www.yndaily.com/html/20060317/news_88_1052407.html|url-status=dead|title="嫦娥奔月"地面主干工程基本完成 云南天文台巨型射电追踪望远镜年底投入使用<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=27 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tech.enorth.com.cn/system/2006/08/19/001388423.shtml |title=巨型望远镜送"嫦娥"飞月-望远镜,嫦娥-北方网-科技无限<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=9 March 2007 |archive-date=24 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024130057/http://tech.enorth.com.cn/system/2006/08/19/001388423.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> A proprietary ground application system is responsible for downlink data reception.

In 2019, China National Space Administration head [[Zhang Kejian]] announced that China is planning to build a [[Moonbase|scientific research station]] on the [[Lunar south pole|Moon's south pole]] "within the next 10 years".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2019-04-china-moon-station-years.html|title=China to build moon station in 'about 10 years'|website=phys.org}}</ref>

==Program structure==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2024}}
[[Ouyang Ziyuan]], a geologist and [[Cosmochemistry|chemical cosmologist]], is the program's chief scientist. [[Ye Peijian]] serves as the program's chief commander and chief designer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sohu.com/20071022/n252783811.shtml |title=嫦娥工程总指挥兼总设计师叶培建 |trans-title=Chang'e Project Commander and Chief Designer Ye Peijian |work=Sohu |date=22 October 2007 |access-date=7 June 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable for such a strong claim in the lead ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=August 2023}} [[Sun Jiadong]], an [[Aerospace engineering|aerospace engineer]], is the program's general designer and Sun Zezhou is deputy general designer. The leading program manager is Luan Enjie.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The Chinese Lunar Exploration Program is divided into four main operational phases, with each mission serving as a technology demonstrator in preparation for future missions. International cooperation in the form of various payloads and a robotic station is invited by China.<ref name='Jan 2019 press conference'/>

===Phase I (robotic): Orbital missions===
The first phase entailed the launch of two [[lunar orbit]]ers, and is now effectively complete.

*[[Chang'e 1]] was launched aboard a [[Long March 3A]] rocket from [[Xichang Satellite Launch Center]] on 24 October 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news3.xinhuanet.com/tech/2007-07/07/content_6340313.htm|title="嫦娥一号"发射时间确定 但未到公布时机|publisher=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|date=2007-07-07|access-date=12 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207011837/http://news3.xinhuanet.com/tech/2007-07/07/content_6340313.htm|archive-date=7 February 2012}}</ref> having been delayed from the initial planned date of 17–19 April 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsmth.net/bbscon.php?board=Aero&id=97395|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142116/http://newsmth.net/bbscon.php?board=aero&id=97395|url-status=dead|title=阅读文章<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> It scanned the entire Moon in unprecedented detail, generating a high definition 3D map that would provide a reference for future soft landings. The probe also mapped the abundance and distribution of various chemical elements on the lunar surface as part of an evaluation of potentially useful resources.
*[[Chang'e 2]], launched on 1 October 2010 aboard a [[Long March 3C]] rocket, reached the Moon in under 5&nbsp;days, compared to 12&nbsp;days for Chang'e 1, and mapped the Moon in even greater detail. It then left lunar orbit and headed for the Earth–Sun {{L2}} [[Lagrangian point]] in order to test the TT&C network. Having done that it completed a flyby of asteroid [[4179 Toutatis]] on 13 December 2012, before heading into deep space to further test the TT&C network.

===Phase II (robotic): Soft landers/rovers===

{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 200
 | header = 
 | image1 = 
 | alt1 = Chang'e 3 lander on lunar surface
 | caption1 = Chang'e 3, China's first lunar lander on the Moon
 | image2 = ChangE-4, Yutu-2 (cropped).png
 | alt2 = Yutu-2, the first rover deployed on the far side of the Moon, working during Chang'e 4 mission
 | caption2 = ''Yutu-2'', the first rover deployed on the far side of the Moon, working during Chang'e 4 mission
 | image3 = Chang-e 5 back to CAST 1.png
 | alt3 = Chang-e 5 lunar mission's Returner
 | caption3 = Before Chang-e 5, no lunar sample-return was conducted in over four decades.
}}

The second phase is ongoing{{When|date=May 2024}}, and incorporates spacecraft capable of [[Soft landing (rocketry)|soft-landing]] on the Moon and deploying [[lunar rover]]s.

*[[Chang'e 3]], launched on 2 December 2013 aboard a [[Long March 3B]] rocket, landed on the Moon on 14 December 2013. It carried with it a {{convert|140|kg|lb|sp=us|abbr=off}} lunar rover named [[Yutu (rover)|''Yutu'']], which was designed to explore an area of {{convert|3|sqkm|sp=us|abbr=off}} during a 3-month mission. It was also supposed to conduct ultra-violet observations of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, variable stars, binaries, novae, quasars, and blazars, as well as the structure and dynamics of the Earth's [[plasmasphere]].
*[[Chang'e 4]] was launched on 7 December 2018. Originally scheduled for 2015, it was a back-up for Chang'e 3. However, as a result of the success of that mission, the configuration of Chang'e 4 was adjusted for the next mission.<ref>{{cite news |author=Austin Ramzy |date=16 December 2013 |title=China Celebrates Lunar Probe and Announces Return Plans |url=https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/china-celebrates-lunar-probe-and-announces-return-plans/ |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=16 December 2013}}</ref> It landed on 3 January 2019 on the [[South Pole-Aitken Basin]], on the [[far side of the Moon]], and deployed the ''[[Yutu-2]]'' rover.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/02/health/china-lunar-rover-far-moon-landing-intl/index.html|title=China lunar rover successfully touches down on far side of the moon, state media announces| last1=Rivers| first1=Matt|last2=Regan| first2=Helen|date=3 January 2019|website=CNN|access-date=3 January 2019|last3=Jiang|first3=Steven}}</ref>

=== Phase III (robotic): Sample-return===
The third phase included a lunar [[sample-return mission]].

*[[Chang'e 5-T1]] was launched on 23 October 2014. It was designed to test the lunar return spacecraft.
*[[Chang'e 5]] was launched on 23 November 2020, landed near [[Mons Rümker]] on the Moon on 1 December 2020, and returned to Earth with {{Convert|1731|g|oz}} of [[lunar sample]]s back to Earth.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-16|title=China recovers Chang'e-5 moon samples after complex 23-day mission|url=https://spacenews.com/china-recovers-change-5-moon-samples-after-complex-23-day-mission/|access-date=2020-12-16|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=CNSA |title=China's Chang'e-5 retrieves 1,731 kilograms of moon samples|url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6810963/content.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104192629/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6810963/content.html |archive-date=4 January 2021 }}</ref>
<!--Don't move Chang'e 7 or Chang'e 6 to this section. According to the news http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/2019-01/15/c_1123989721.htm , the Chang'e 5 marks the finish of the three-step "绕 (orbital mission), 落 (landing mission), 回 (return mission)"-->

=== Phase IV (robotic): Lunar robotic research station===
Phase IV is the development of an autonomous [[Moonbase|lunar research station]] near the [[Lunar south pole|Moon's south pole]].<ref name='Jan 2019 press conference'/><ref name='Planning by 2018'>[http://epizodsspace.airbase.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/Chinese_Journal_of_Space_Science/2018/5/Xu_et_al_China's_Planning_---_before_2030_Chin_J_Space_Sci_38_(2018).pdf China's Planning for Deep Space Exploration and Lunar Exploration before 2030]. (PDF) XU Lin, ZOU Yongliao, JIA Yingzhuo. ''Space Sci''., 2018, 38(5): 591-592. {{doi|10.11728/cjss2018.05.591}}</ref><ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018cosp...42E3886Z A Tentative Plan of China to Establish a Lunar Research Station in the Next Ten Years]. Zou, Yongliao; Xu, Lin; Jia, Yingzhuo. 42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 14–22 July 2018, in Pasadena, California, USA, Abstract id. B3.1-34-18.</ref> The Phase IV program entered active development in 2023 following the successful completion of the previous three phases.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.news.cn/20230206/10408e89573d4ca5bd8db3d84054fab1/c.html |title=China to advance lunar exploration program |work=[[Xinhua]] |date=6 February 2023 |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>

*[[Chang'e 6]], launched on 3 May 2024,<ref name="lunar-schedule">{{cite tweet |author=China N' Asia Spaceflight |user=CNSpaceflight |number=1595758500977971201 |title=Update:<br />2024 Queqiao-2 data relay<br />2025 Chang'e-6 lunar sample return from far side<br />2026 Chang'e-7 lunar landing in south pole<br />2028 Chang'e-8 basic model of lunar research station |date=24 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="space-20210708">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |url=https://www.space.com/china-chang-e-6-moon-sample-return-preparations |title=China's Chang'e 6 mission will collect lunar samples from the far side of the moon by 2024 |work=[[Space.com]] |date=8 July 2021 |access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref><ref name=LT>{{Cite web |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7333/7122039 |title=大陸「嫦娥六號」明年5月發射 擬帶回月球背面岩石採樣 |date=2023-04-25 |publisher=聯合報 |language=zh-hant |accessdate=2023-04-25}}</ref> investigated the topography, composition and subsurface structure of the [[South Pole–Aitken basin]] on the [[far side of the Moon]]. The mission [[Sample-return mission|returned samples]] to Earth from [[Apollo (crater)|Apollo Basin]] on the far side of the Moon.<ref name='Lunar plans for phase IV'>{{Cite web |url=http://passport.acfun.cn/a/ac4857461 |title=Lunar plans for phase IV |access-date=2019-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415151408/http://passport.acfun.cn/a/ac4857461 |archive-date=2019-04-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name='Lunar program next plan'>[https://twitter.com/LiuyiYiliu/status/1084396577404284928 Lunar program next plan]</ref> It also carried a Chinese rover called ''Jinchan'' to conduct [[Absorption spectroscopy|infrared spectroscopy]] of lunar surface and imaged Chang'e 6 lander on lunar surface.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=China's Chang'e-6 is carrying a surprise rover to the moon |url=https://spacenews.com/chinas-change-6-is-carrying-a-surprise-rover-to-the-moon/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=8 May 2024 |date=6 May 2024 |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508193233/https://spacenews.com/chinas-change-6-is-carrying-a-surprise-rover-to-the-moon/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Chang'e 7]], expected to launch in 2026, is a mission that will explore the south pole for resources. The mission will include an orbiter, a lander, and a mini-flying probe.<ref name="sn-20221128">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |url=https://spacenews.com/china-outlines-pathway-for-lunar-and-deep-space-exploration/ |title=China outlines pathway for lunar and deep space exploration |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref>
*[[Chang'e 8]], expected to launch in 2028, will verify in-situ resource development and utilization technologies.<ref name="sn-20221128" /> It may include a lander, a rover, and a flying detector,<ref name='Planning by 2018'/> as well as a 3D-printing experiment using [[in situ resource utilization]] (ISRU) to test-build a structure,<ref name='Jan 2019 press conference'>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7FiaHwv-BI Chang'e 4 press conference]. CNSA, broadcast on 14 January 2019.</ref> It will also transport a small sealed ecosystem experiment.<ref name='Planning by 2018'/> It will test technology necessary to the construction of a lunar science base.<ref>[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/cnsa_moon_future.html Future Chinese Lunar Missions.] David R. Williams, NASA. Accessed on 7 November 2019.</ref>

=== Crewed mission phase===
{{see also|Mengzhou (spacecraft)|Lanyue}}

In 2019, China was reviewing preliminary studies for a crewed lunar landing mission in the 2030s,<ref name='China base Quarts 2018'>[https://qz.com/1262581/china-lays-out-its-ambitions-to-colonize-the-moon-and-build-a-lunar-palace/ China lays out its ambitions to colonize the moon and build a "lunar palace"]. Echo Huang, ''Quartz''. 26 April 2018.</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-moon-landing-manned-mission-space-exploration-programme-lunar-programme-a7776566.html China prepares first manned mission to the Moon]. Ben Blanchard, ''Independent''. 7 June 2017.</ref> and possibly building an outpost near the lunar south pole with international cooperation.<ref name='Jan 2019 press conference'/><ref name='China base Quarts 2018'/>

On 12 July 2023, at the 9th China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum in [[Wuhan]], Hubei province, Zhang Hailian, a deputy chief designer with the [[China Manned Space Agency]] (CMSA), publicly introduced a preliminary plan to land two astronauts on the Moon by the year 2030<ref name=AJ17072023 /> using the [[Mengzhou (spacecraft)|Mengzhou]] crewed spacecraft and the [[Lanyue]] crewed lunar lander.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2023-05-29 |title=China sets sights on crewed lunar landing before 2030 |url=https://spacenews.com/china-sets-sights-on-crewed-lunar-landing-before-2030/ |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="cndaily2024">{{cite news |last=Zhao |first=Lei |title=Chinese lunar lander and new crew spaceship names revealed |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/24/WS65d9506aa31082fc043b8df2.html |publisher=China Daily |date=24 February 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>

On 28 September 2024, in [[Chongqing]], the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) unveiled the extravehicular lunar spacesuit and also solicited suggestions for a name for the suit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=China unveils lunar spacesuit for crewed moon mission|url=https://spacenews.com/china-unveils-lunar-spacesuit-for-crewed-moon-mission/|website=Spacenews|access-date=10 October 2024}}</ref>

===2035 and thereafter: International Moon base and application ===
{{See also|Moonbase}}

In 2021, China and Russia announced they will be building a Moon base together, also formally invited more countries and international organizations to join their [[International Lunar Research Station]] (ILRS) project being developed by the two nations,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/china-russia-open-moon-base-project-to-international-partners-early-details-emerge/|title=China, Russia open moon base project to international partners, early details emerge|date=26 April 2021}}</ref> as an alternative to the American [[Artemis Program]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/russia-china-almost-ready-to-ink-pact-on-moon-base/|title=Lunar Research Station: Russia, China Almost Ready To Ink Pact On 'Moon Base' That Will Rival Artemis Accords - Rogozin|date=1 June 2022|website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News}}</ref> China announced on April 24 the [[International Lunar Research Station|International Lunar Research Station Cooperation Organization]] (ILRSCO) with members including: China, Russia, South Africa, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Pakistan and Egypt.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1650687403642986496|user=CNSpaceflight|date=April 24, 2023|title=CNSA announces to establish International Lunar Research Station Cooperation Organization and founding member states to sign agreement by June}}</ref>

==List of missions==

===Conducted missions===
{{legend inline|#FFB|Planned hard landing|outline=silver}}  {{legend inline|#CCFFCC|Planned soft landing|outline=silver}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
! scope="col" style="width: 100px;" rowspan="2" | Mission<br />
! scope="col" style="width: 80px;" rowspan="2" | Launch date
! scope="col" style="width: 100px;" rowspan="2" | Launch vehicle
! scope="col" style="width: 80px;" rowspan="2" | Orbital insertion date
! scope="col" style="width: 80px;" rowspan="2" | Landing date
! scope="col" style="width: 80px;" rowspan="2" | Return date
! scope="col" style="width: 30%;" rowspan="2" | Notes<br />
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Status
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 100px;" | Main<br/>mission
! scope="col" style="width: 100px;" | Extended<br/>mission
|-
| colspan = 9 style="text-align: left;" |'''Phase 1'''
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 1]]
| 24 Oct 2007
| [[Long March 3A]]
| 7 Nov 2007
| {{partial|1 Mar 2009}}
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar orbiter; first Chinese lunar mission.
| {{Success}}
| {{No attempt|-}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 2]]
| 1 Oct 2010
| [[Long March 3C]]
| 6 Oct 2010
| -
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar orbiter; following lunar orbit mission flew extended mission to [[4179 Toutatis]].
| {{Success}}
| {{Success}}
|-
| colspan = 9 style="text-align: left;" |'''Phase 2'''
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 3]]
| 1 Dec 2013
| [[Long March 3B]]
| 6 Dec 2013
| {{WinDL|14 Dec 2013}}
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar lander and rover; first Chinese lunar landing, landed in [[Mare Imbrium]] with [[Yutu 1]].
| {{Success}}
| {{Usually|Ongoing}}
|- 
! scope="row" | [[Queqiao relay satellite|Queqiao 1]]
| 20 May 2018
| [[Long March 4C]]
| 14 Jun 2018
| -
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Relay satellite located at the Earth-Moon [[Lagrangian points|L<sub>2</sub> point]] in order to allow communications with Chang'e 4.
| {{Success}}
| {{Usually|Ongoing}}
|- 
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 4]]
| 7 Dec 2018
| [[Long March 3B]]
| 12 Dec 2018
| {{WinDL|3 Jan 2019}}
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar lander and rover; first soft landing on the [[Far side of the Moon]], landed in [[Von Kármán (lunar crater)|Von Karman crater]] with ''[[Yutu-2]]''.
| {{Success}}
| {{Usually|Ongoing}}
|- 
| colspan = 10 style="text-align: left;" |'''Phase 3'''
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 5-T1]]
| 23 Oct 2014
| [[Long March 3C]]
| 10 Jan 2015
| -
| 31 Oct 2014
| style="text-align: left;" | Experimental test flight testing technologies ahead of first Lunar sample return; tested return capsule and lunar orbit autonomous rendezvous techniques and other maneuvers.
| {{Success}}
| {{Success}}
|- 
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 5]]
| 23 Nov 2020
| [[Long March 5]]
| 28 Nov 2020
| {{WinDL|1 Dec 2020}}
| 16 Dec 2020
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar orbiter, lander, and sample return; which landed near [[Mons Rümker]] and returned 1731g of lunar soil to Earth. The service module made a visit to [[Lagrange point]] [[L1 point|L1]] and also performed a lunar flyby in extended mission.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-06|title=China's Chang'e-5 orbiter is heading back to the moon|url=https://spacenews.com/chinas-change-5-orbiter-is-heading-back-to-the-moon/|access-date=2021-09-08|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}</ref>
| {{Success}}
| {{Usually|Ongoing}}
|-
| colspan = 9 style="text-align: left;" |'''Phase 4'''
|- 
! scope="row" | [[Queqiao 2]]
| 20 Mar 2024
| [[Long March 8]]
| 24 Mar 2024 
| -
| -
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar Relay satellite to support communications for the upcoming lunar missions, including Chang'e 6, 7 and 8.<ref name="lunar-schedule"/>
| {{Success}}
| {{Usually|Ongoing}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 6]]
| 3 May 2024
| [[Long March 5]]
| 8 May 2024
| {{WinDL|1 Jun 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2024-06-01 |title=Chang'e-6 lands on far side of the moon to collect unique lunar samples |url=https://spacenews.com/change-6-lands-on-far-side-of-the-moon-to-collect-unique-lunar-samples/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>
| 25 Jun 2024
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar orbiter, lander, rover, and sample return; landed at the [[South Pole–Aitken basin]] on the [[far side of the Moon]].<ref name="space-20210708" />
| {{Success}}
| {{Success}}
|}

===Upcoming missions===
{| class="wikitable" style="max-width:1200px;text-align: center;"
! scope="col" | Mission
! scope="col" | Launch date
! scope="col" | Launch vehicle
! scope="col" | Mission type
! scope="col" style="width:40%;" | Notes
|-
| colspan = 5 style="text-align: left;" |'''Phase 4'''
|- 
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 7]]
| 2026
| [[Long March 5]]
| Lunar surface survey
| style="text-align: left;" | Lunar orbiter, lander, rover, and mini-flying probe; expected to perform in-depth exploration of the [[lunar south pole]] to look for resources.<ref name="sn-20221128" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chang'e 8]]
| 2028
| [[Long March 5]]
| Lunar surface survey
| style="text-align: left;" | Full mission details are currently unknown; will test [[ISRU]] and 3D-printing technologies, ahead of future crewed exploration of the Moon.<ref name="sn-20221128" />
|-
! scope="row" | 1st crewed lunar mission
| 2029-2030
| [[Long March 10]]
| Human landing on lunar surface
| style="text-align: left;" | 2 launches using the [[Long March 10]] to place two astronauts on the lunar surface via the [[Mengzhou (spacecraft)|Mengzhou]] crewed lunar spacecraft and the [[Lanyue|Lanyue crewed lunar lander]].<ref name=AJ17072023>{{cite news | author=Andrew Jones | title=China sets out preliminary crewed lunar landing plan | url=https://spacenews.com/china-sets-out-preliminary-crewed-lunar-landing-plan/ | work=spacenews.com | date=17 July 2023 | access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>
|}

==Key technologies==
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2024}}

===Long-range TT&C===
{{see also|Chinese Deep Space Network}}
The biggest challenge in Phase I of the program was the operation of the TT&C system, because its transmission capability needed sufficient range to communicate with the probes in lunar orbit.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LipnTrbYd9cC&q=chinese+tt%26c&pg=PA33|title=Proceedings of the 26th Conference of Spacecraft TT&C Technology in China|isbn=9783642336621|last1=Shen|first1=Rongjun|last2=Qian|first2=Weiping|date=29 September 2012|publisher=Springer }}</ref> China's standard satellite telemetry had a range of {{convert|80000|km|mi|sp=us|abbr=off}}, but the distance between the Moon and the Earth can exceed {{convert|400000|km|mi|sp=us|abbr=off}} when the Moon is at [[apogee]]. In addition, the Chang'e probes had to carry out many attitude maneuvers during their flights to the Moon and during operations in lunar orbit. The distance across China from east to west is {{convert|5000|km|mi|sp=us|abbr=off}},<ref name="geography statistics">{{cite web|url = http://www.chinese-outpost.com/chinapedia/geography/location-size-land-boundaries-length-of-coastline-maritime-claims.asp|title=China's Location, Size, Land Boundaries, Length of Coastline, and Maritime Claims}}</ref> forming another challenge to TT&C continuity. At present, the combination of the TT&C system and the Chinese astronomical observation network has met the needs of the Chang'e program,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacedaily.com/news/china-00za.html|title=China Builds Advanced Spacecraft Tracking and Command Network|website=www.spacedaily.com}}</ref> but only by a small margin.

===Environmental adaptability===
The complexity of the [[space environment]] encountered during the Chang'e missions imposed strict requirements for environmental adaptability and reliability of the probes and their instruments. The high-radiation environment in Earth-Moon space required [[radiation hardening|hardened]] electronics to prevent electromagnetic damage to spacecraft instruments. The extreme temperature range, from {{convert|130|C|sp=us|abbr=off}} on the side of the spacecraft facing the Sun to {{convert|-170|C|sp=us|abbr=off}} on the side facing away from the Sun, imposed strict requirements for temperature control in the design of the detectors.

===Orbit design and flight sequence control===
Given the conditions of the three-body system of the Earth, Moon and a [[space probe]], the orbit design of lunar orbiters is more complicated than that of Earth-orbiting satellites, which only deal with a two-body system. The Chang'e 1 and Chang'e 2 probes were first sent into highly elliptical Earth orbits. After separating from their launch vehicles, they entered an Earth-Moon transfer orbit through three accelerations in the phase-modulated orbit. These accelerations were conducted 16, 24, and 48 hours into the missions, during which several orbit adjustments and attitude maneuvers were carried out so as to ensure the probes' capture by lunar gravity. After operating in the Earth-Moon orbit for 4–5 days, each probe entered a lunar acquisition orbit. After entering their target orbits, conducting three braking maneuvers and experiencing three different orbit phases, Chang'e 1 and Chang'e 2 carried out their missions.

===Attitude control===
Lunar orbiters have to remain properly oriented with respect to the Earth, Moon and Sun. All onboard detectors must be kept facing the lunar surface in order to complete their scientific missions, communication antennas have to face the Earth in order to receive commands and transfer scientific data, and [[solar panel]]s must be oriented toward the Sun in order to acquire power. During lunar orbit, the Earth, the Moon and the Sun also move, so [[Spacecraft attitude control|attitude control]] is a complex three-vector control process. The Chang'e satellites need to adjust their attitude very carefully to maintain an optimal angle towards all three bodies.

===Hazard avoidance===
During the second phase of the program, in which the spacecraft were required to [[Soft landing (rocketry)|soft-land]] on the lunar surface, it was necessary to devise a system of automatic hazard avoidance in order that the landers would not attempt to touch down on unsuitable terrain. Chang'e 3 utilized a [[computer vision]] system in which the data from a down-facing camera, as well as 2 ranging devices, were processed using specialized software. The software controlled the final stages of descent, adjusting the attitude of the spacecraft and the throttle of its main engine. The spacecraft hovered first at {{convert|100|m|sp=us|abbr=off}}, then at {{convert|30|m|sp=us|abbr=off}}, as it searched for a suitable spot to set down. The ''Yutu'' rover is also equipped with front-facing stereo cameras and hazard avoidance technology.

==International cooperation==
Chang’e 1: The first Chinese lunar orbiter, launched in 2007. It carried a European Space Agency (ESA) instrument called D-CIXS, which measured the elemental composition of the lunar surface. It also received tracking and data relay support from ESA’s ground stations in Australia and Spain.

Chang’e 2: The second Chinese lunar orbiter, launched in 2010. It carried a laser altimeter provided by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which mapped the lunar topography with high precision. It also used ESA’s deep space network for communication and navigation during its extended mission to the asteroid 4179 Toutatis.

Chang’e 3: The first Chinese lunar lander and rover, launched in 2013. It carried a lunar ultraviolet telescope (LUT) developed by the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) and the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA), which performed the first astronomical observations from the lunar surface. It also received data relay support from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) for the landing of the Chang’e 3 probe.

Chang’e-4: The first mission to land and explore the far side of the Moon, with four international scientific payloads from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia. It also received support from NASA’s LRO team, Russia’s radioisotope heat source, China’s deep space station in Argentina, and the European Space Agency’s tracking station.

Chang’e-5: The first mission to return lunar samples since 1976, with international cooperation in telemetry, tracking, and command from the European Space Agency, Argentina, Namibia, Pakistan, and other countries and organizations. It also carried a French magnetic field detector. Scientists from various countries, including Australia, Russia, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, have participated in scientific research involving Chinese lunar samples.

===Cooperation with Russia===

In November 2017, China and Russia signed an agreement on cooperative lunar and deep space exploration.<ref name='GB Nov 2017'>[https://gbtimes.com/china-russia-agree-cooperation-on-lunar-and-deep-space-exploration-other-sectors China, Russia agree cooperation on lunar and deep space exploration, other sectors.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827092032/https://gbtimes.com/china-russia-agree-cooperation-on-lunar-and-deep-space-exploration-other-sectors |date=27 August 2019 }} ''GB Times''. 2 November 2017.</ref> The agreement includes six sectors, covering lunar and deep space, joint spacecraft development, space electronics, Earth [[remote sensing]] data, and space debris monitoring.<ref name='GB Nov 2017'/><ref>[http://tass.com/science/1012737 Russia, China to add lunar projects to joint space cooperation program]. ''TASS'', Russia. 11 July 2018.</ref><ref>[http://www.tunisiesoir.com/science/china-russia-agree-cooperation-on-lunar-and-deep-space-2347-2018/ China, Russia agree cooperation on lunar and deep space].  Janet R. Aguilar, ''Tunisie Soir''. 3 March 2018.</ref> Russia may also look to develop closer ties with China in human spaceflight,<ref name='GB Nov 2017'/> and even shift its human spaceflight cooperation from the US to China and build a crewed lunar lander.<ref>[https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/moon-mars/a19159719/roscosmos-china-collaboration/ Russia's Space Agency Might Break Up With the U.S. To Get With China.]  Anatoly Zak, ''Popular Mechanics''. 7 March 2018.</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
ChangE-4 - PCAM.png|[[Chang'e 4]] lander on the Moon
ChangE-4, Yutu-2 (cropped).png|''[[Yutu-2]]'' rover on lunar surface
Chang'e 5 Moon Sample.png|Lunar soil sample collected by China's [[Chang'e 5]] mission, displayed at [[Airshow China]] 2021
</gallery>

{{wide image |The first panorama from the far side of the moon.jpg|1200px|align-cap=center|The first panorama from the far side of the Moon by Chang'e 4 lander, with the ''Yutu-2'' rover}}

== Timeline ==
{{Timeline of the Chang'e missions}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Solar System|Spaceflight|China}}
* [[Exploration of the Moon]]
* [[List of missions to the Moon]]
** [[Apollo program]]
** [[Artemis program]]
** [[Chandrayaan programme]]
** [[Luna programme]]
* [[Chinese space program]]
* [[Planetary Exploration of China]]
** [[Tianwen-1]] - 2020 Mars mission

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071015034940/http://www.clep.org.cn/ CLEP official website]
* [https://moon.bao.ac.cn/index_en.jsp Data Release and Information Service System of China's Lunar Exploration Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610022730/https://moon.bao.ac.cn/index_en.jsp |date=10 June 2021 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://en.people.cn/90002/91752/index.html |title=China's Lunar Exploration Program - English |website=The People's Daily online |access-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224215041/http://en.people.cn/90002/91752/index.html |url-status=dead }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070408085556/http://astronautix.com/craft/change.htm Encyclopedia Astronautica]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071026112423/http://www.geog.umd.edu/ispmsrs2005/OuyangZiyuanAbs.htm The Scientific Objectives of Chinese Lunar Exploration Project by Ouyang Ziyuan]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070214111206/http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/tywx/ 我国发射首颗探月卫星专题]
*[http://scitech.people.com.cn/GB/25509/55912/105293/index.html 嫦娥探月专题] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126201626/http://scitech.people.com.cn/GB/25509/55912/105293/index.html |date=26 January 2021 }}
* {{cite journal
| title=Scientific objectives and payloads of Chang'E-1 lunar satellite
| author1=Sūn Huīxiān (孙辉先)|author2=Dài Shùwǔ (代树武)|author3=Yáng Jiànfēng (杨建峰)|author4=Wú Jì (吴季) |author5=Jiāng Jǐngshān (姜景山)
| journal=Journal of Earth System Science
| year=2005
| volume=114
| pages=789–794
| url=http://www.ias.ac.in/jessci/dec2005/ilc-25.pdf
| doi=10.1007/BF02715964
| issue=6|bibcode = 2005JESS..114..789H | s2cid=128428662
}}

{{CLEP}}
{{CNSA space program}}
{{Chinese spacecraft}}
{{Lunar rovers}}
{{Moon spacecraft}}
{{Moon colonization}}
{{Politics of outer space}}

[[Category:Chinese Lunar Exploration Program| ]]
[[Category:21st century in China]]
[[Category:China National Space Administration]]
[[Category:Exploration of the Moon]]