China’s first nuclear battery moon rover

[Markus]

China’s first nuclear battery moon rover​

China’s first Moon rover will be powered by a home-built nuclear battery, the chief scientist of the China’s lunar project said.

The rover will land on moon next year on board Chang’e-3, China’s third lunar probe, Shanghai Daily reported. The Chang’e-3 is expected to be launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan Province. The Chang’e-3 will also observe space from the lunar surface as the lack of atmosphere allows better viewing than from Earth.

The battery, using plutonium-238, will be able to power the 100-kilogram vehicle for more than 30 years, Ouyang Ziyuan, the chief scientist quoted. Mr. Ouyang said the rover would be powered by the sun during daytime and by nuclear power during the night.

“The nuclear power system will make China the third country apart from the United States and Russia to be able to apply nuclear technology to space exploration,” Mr. Ouyang said.

A lunar night lasts for 14 days with temperatures reaching below minus 100 degrees Celsius. The battery will be the only source of energy during that time and will prevent the equipment from freezing, he said. An expandable solar panel will absorb the Sun’s energy during the day.

Mr. Ouyang said the rover and the Chang’e-3 would stay on the Moon until the Chang’e-5 probe arrived to take samples and the rover back to the Earth.

He said China was currently working on the Chang’e-5 as well as a new Long March-5 rocket to carry the probe.

The Hindu : Sci-Tech / Science : China

 

[shuttler]

Shanghai Aerospace System Engine
Space engineers have started work on China’s lunar rover, one aspect of a multi-pronged moon exploration program.

China's moon rover is seen in a Zhuhai aviation and aerospace exhibition

Chinese scientists have shown off a prototype Moon rover that could lead to the country's first unmanned mission to the lunar surface in 2013.
The 1.5m (5ft) high, 200kg (440lbs) rover should transmit video in real time, dig into and analyse soil, and produce 3D images of the lunar surface.

Chang'e-3 Chinese Lunar Rover Image of a slide presented at the IEEE's International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Shanghai.

 

[ahfatzia]

did you steal this technology from from the curiosity Rover

A shocking statement on a technical thread open by your countryman. (sign)

 

[shuttler]

did you steal this technology from from the curiosity Rover

the project is not intended to embarrass the loud bragging incapable!

 

[Kompromat]

did you steal this technology from from the curiosity Rover

No, from Chandriyan

 

[KRAIT]

Any info on usage of ion-electric propulsion. I heard of this to be used in future mission by China. Correct me if I am wrong and provide if there is usage of this propulsion method in this program.

Another program to look forward to is sending satellites for quantum communication by China which will make China first country to do so.

 

[theniubt]

US Scientists to Use Chinese Moon Lander for Space Research

I guess this is the one?

 

[Peregrine]

It reminds me of Walle

 

[Secur]

Well , that is great ...

When is the manned lunar landing planned by China ?

 

[ianc1818]

I think a Pakistan Scientist is the CEO of that program....

Nah...a brain dead Injun undertaker

 

[ianc1818]

This is what u call a sensible discussion

Any info on usage of ion-electric propulsion. I heard of this to be used in future mission by China. Correct me if I am wrong and provide if there is usage of this propulsion method in this program.

Another program to look forward to is sending satellites for quantum communication by China which will make China first country to do so.

This is what u call a sensible discussion. AoK

 

[ianc1818]

Any info on usage of ion-electric propulsion. I heard of this to be used in future mission by China. Correct me if I am wrong and provide if there is usage of this propulsion method in this program.

Another program to look forward to is sending satellites for quantum communication by China which will make China first country to do so.

Frank talking. Aok

 

[Minjitta]

The first 3 models look so home made.