The Dark Side of the Moon

The Moon could be a "beautiful" source of minerals and energy, according to top Chinese scientists.
Exotic materials including helium-3 and the moon’s potential for solar power could prove invaluable for humankind, they say.

No space mission has so far explored the far side :a mysterious region of Earth's natural satellite. But just last week - inaugurating a new era for space, and perhaps for mankind - a Chinese robotic rover got its wheels dirty after rolling off its landing craft and out onto the lunar soil.

'The rover rolled only a small step on to the Moon, but it represented a huge stride for the Chinese nation," said Chinese Lunar Exploration chief, Wu Weiren.

The Chinese mision is steeped in mythology. The lunar rover is called Yutu: the second such Chinese rover; but the first one to be deployed on the Moon's far side. In Chinese legend, Yutu is the white pet rabbit of Chang'e, the moon goddess, who has lent her name to the Chinese lunar mission.

In the long run, the moon could be highly profitable for mankind: a source of energy and of minerals which are not readily available on the earth. China’s latest mission is an important step in that direction.