未知的表面条件将影响嫦娥3任务

Chang'e-3 will begin its 380-thousand kilometers trip to the moon in December. Landing on the moon is the end of the trip, and the goal of the mission. But it will not be easy to achieve.

One step on the moon, a big step forward for China’s space exploration. The Chang’e-3 spacecraft is to fly with a touchdown target.

"The Chang’e-3 will achieve China’s first soft landing on an extraterrestrial celestial¹ body, and lunar patrolling. It will help the development of space technology." Chang’e-3 chief designer Sun Zezhou said.

China has accumulated successful space experiences with the missions of Chang’e-1 and Chang’e-2. In 2007, Chang’e-1 successfully entered lunar orbit from 200 kilometers above moon. In 2010, Chang’e-2 successfully tested orbit control technology.

However, despite the achievements, the chief designer says the risks are more than ever.

"It will land on the surface of the moon. How smooth the surface is, whether there are deep pits or rocks will have a great impact on the mission. The success of the mission depends greatly on the unknown environment." Sun said.

The answer will be out in December. And success is what every Chinese is longing² for.

 

 

1 celestial   

adj.天体的；天上的

参考例句：

• The rosy light yet beamed like a celestial dawn.玫瑰色的红光依然象天上的朝霞一样绚丽。
• Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.万有引力控制着天体的运动。

2 longing   

n.（for）渴望

参考例句：

• Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
• His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。