CHINA – China will send a probe to the Moon to collect samples and bring them back to Earth; a mission that will take place in the second half of 2017, announced the Chinese space agency.

The mission will be in charge of the probe Chang’e 5, which will benefit from the experience gained with other vehicles that have traveled to the moon.

The Chang’e 1 made a satellite orbital flight in 2007 and number 3 landed on the lunar surface in 2013, while a nameless ship reached the lunar orbit and then returned to Earth in late 2014.

 In addition, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense prepares sending the Chang’e 4, the launch is scheduled for 2018 and will be the first probe to land on the surface of the far side of the moon.

But the most immediate task of China’s first space race will take place in the second half of this year, when the launch of a new manned mission is planned from 2013