China's secretive Shenlong space plane has once again sparked intrigue among space watchers after reportedly releasing an unidentified object while orbiting Earth. According to commercial space tracking firm LeoLabs, the object was detected on June 22 near Shenlong, which has been in orbit since launching on its fourth mission in February this year.<h2>What did China release in space?</h2>"At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable space plane," LeoLabs said in a post on X. After tracking the object across its global radar network, LeoLabs said it had “assessed with high confidence that it was released from the Chinese spaceplane."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable spaceplane. This object did not correlate to any other object in our catalog. It was first observed by our Tracker radar in New Zealand. <a href="https://t.co/AEf4gbyJPr">pic.twitter.com/AEf4gbyJPr</a>&mdash; LeoLabs (@LeoLabs_Space) <a href="https://x.com/LeoLabs_Space/status/2069091413795414445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-cia-destroy-an-alien-message-newly-released-ufo-files-reveal-bizarre-1958-mystery-1781337303228">'Message from space': Did CIA destroy an alien message? Newly released UFO files reveal bizarre 1958 mystery</a>The newly detected object has since been catalogued by the US Space Force, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USSF has cataloged a new object (69673) released from the Chinese spaceplane CSSHQ4 (2026-024A) which has been in orbit since Feb 7. Previous missions of the spaceplane have also released such objects, which may be small subsatellites such as cubesats&mdash; Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://x.com/planet4589/status/2069412042126098666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is Shenlong?</h2>Shenlong, which translates to "Divine Dragon", is China's reusable space plane programme. Much like the US military's X-37B space plane, Shenlong launches atop a rocket but is designed to return and land on a runway like a conventional aircraft.China has released very little information about the vehicle, and most details about it have emerged through satellite tracking and telescope observations conducted by independent researchers.The space plane was launched on February 6 aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Beijing did not disclose the mission's objectives.<h2>Not China's first mysterious deployment</h2>According to Space, this is not the first time Shenlong has attracted attention for unusual activity in orbit.In 2024, observers reported that the spacecraft may have deployed a small subsatellite or ejected an unnecessary piece of hardware before returning to Earth. Earlier missions also generated speculation after multiple objects appeared near the spacecraft, though some were later identified as launch-related debris.Astronomers have additionally reported signs that Shenlong may deploy solar arrays while in orbit, suggesting it can remain operational for extended periods.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-world-s-largest-whale-graveyard-hidden-7km-beneath-the-indian-ocean-1781170611094">Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean</a><h2>Why are experts watching closely?</h2>According to SpaceNews, one possibility is that China is testing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), a capability that allows spacecraft to manoeuvre close to other satellites.Wile such technology has legitimate civilian uses, including satellite inspection, servicing and refuelling, it also has military applications including tamper with adversary satellites in orbit.China is not alone in developing such technologies. Russia has conducted similar manoeuvres with so-called inspector satellites, while the United States is also believed to be pursuing advanced orbital servicing and proximity-operation capabilities.&nbsp;

China's secretive Shenlong space plane has reportedly released an unidentified object while orbiting Earth, reigniting speculation about the true purpose of the reusable spacecraft. What mystery object did China release in space?

China's secretive Shenlong space plane has once again sparked intrigue among space watchers after reportedly releasing an unidentified object while orbiting Earth. According to commercial space tracking firm LeoLabs, the object was detected on June 22 near Shenlong, which has been in orbit since launching on its fourth mission in February this year. What did China release in space? "At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable space plane," LeoLabs said in a post on X. After tracking the object across its global radar network, LeoLabs said it had “assessed with high confidence that it was released from the Chinese spaceplane."

China's secretive Shenlong space plane has reportedly released an unidentified object while orbiting Earth, reigniting speculation about the true purpose of the reusable spacecraft. What mystery object did China release in space?

China's secretive Shenlong space plane releases mystery object in orbit. What is Beijing up to?

People in the Shandong province of China were stunned to see a huge fireball in the sky on Friday. And if it wasn't enough, someone shot it down seconds later. Videos of the mysterious incident quickly spread across Chinese social media. People claimed that the government had possibly shot down a meteor or a UFO. However, there is no clarity on what exactly it was. Netizens speculated that it was likely a cosmic space rock. Videos of the mid-air impact show something small crashing into the big, bright object streaking in the sky. Social media was abuzz with chatter about what it could be. Local media reported some people as saying that since it was a rainy night, they thought the sound was of a thunderstorm. Others reported that their windows shook. Others thought that a military drill was going on in the region. So, did a meteor really explode over the sky in China?Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/creepy-alien-or-potato-panamanian-man-shows-off-mysterious-mutating-living-meteorite-that-is-growing-tentacles-1758005400086">CREEPY alien or potato? Panamanian man shows off mysterious mutating 'meteorite' that is growing tentacles</a><h2>Did China intercept a meteor? &nbsp;</h2>Meteors enter Earth like a fireball, and this object also appears to be a rock from space. But it appears bigger than an average meteor in the video. Some people also speculated that authorities were likely testing a missile interception system. Several people on X also posted that China had “successfully intercepted a meteor that was going to crash into Shandong Province, and has plans to develop a full-fledged planetary defence system against meteorite and asteroid impacts.” Suppose it was a meteor, the question then arises about how the authorities would be prepared to shoot down a meteor, since you can't predict its entry. NASA and other space agencies keep a watch for hazardous asteroids, but meteors are smaller fragments which are mostly a surprise element and not spotted before their entry into the Earth's atmosphere.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hellfire-missile-hit-a-ufo-over-yemen-scientist-suggests-what-it-really-was-not-alien-but-1757649203582">Hellfire missile hit a 'UFO' over Yemen. Scientist suggests what it really was - 'Not alien, but...'</a>&nbsp;<h2>Watch video of ‘China shooting down meteor’</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇨🇳 China yesterday successfully intercepted a meteor that was going to crash into Shandong Province. China has plans to develop a full-fledged planetary defense system against meteorite and asteroid impacts.<a href="https://t.co/gYpj394Oki">pic.twitter.com/gYpj394Oki</a>&mdash; Orikron 🇵🇹 骆培思 (@orikron) <a href="https://twitter.com/orikron/status/1967260525353701823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another problem with the claim of it being a meteor is its speed and the supposed interception by a missile. Meteors typically enter at speeds between 40,000 km/hr and 258,000 km/h. Dr Alfredo Carpineti, an astrophysicist, told Metro that even the slowest meteor is faster than the fastest hypersonic missile. Besides, no country has yet used missiles to intercept asteroids and meteors. The DART mission by NASA saw a spacecraft collide with the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos on September 26, 2022. So, while several countries in the space race are working on projects to intercept asteroids, none of them has confirmed using missiles as part of their planetary defence systems.<h2>Asteroid and comet interception missions</h2>Asteroid watch is a major priority not only at NASA, but JAXA (Japan's space agency), ESA (European space agency), Roscosmos (Russian space agency) and China National Space Administration (China's space agency), among others. Beijing is said to be developing a major planetary defence system to intercept asteroids, comets and meteors that threaten Earth.&nbsp;<h2>China's space mission</h2>Meanwhile, there is a race to reach the Moon, and Beijing is believed to be making great strides in the field. It is aiming to land a human on the Moon before &nbsp;2030 and also has plans to build a research station and a nuclear station on the lunar surface. China completed comprehensive landing and takeoff tests of its new manned lunar lander, named "Lanyue", in August 2025.&nbsp;The viral videos of the supposed meteor being intercepted by something could well be a part of China's ongoing mission to win this space race. Although there is no official word yet on what this mysterious object seen on Friday was.

Did a missile slam into a meteor over China? China has been racing ahead in the field of space, and is also preparing its planetary defence system to safeguard the planet from a hazardous asteroid or comet. But could it have crashed a missile into a meteor?

People in the Shandong province of China were stunned to see a huge fireball in the sky on Friday. And if it wasn't enough, someone shot it down seconds later. Videos of the mysterious incident quickly spread across Chinese social media. People claimed that the government had possibly shot down a meteor or a UFO. However, there is no clarity on what exactly it was. Netizens speculated that it was likely a cosmic space rock. Videos of the mid-air impact show something small crashing into the big, bright object streaking in the sky. Social media was abuzz with chatter about what it could be. Local media reported some people as saying that since it was a rainy night, they thought the sound was of a thunderstorm. Others reported that their windows shook. Others thought that a military drill was going on in the region. So, did a meteor really explode over the sky in China? Also Read: CREEPY alien or potato? Panamanian man shows off mysterious mutating 'meteorite' that is growing tentacles Did China intercept a meteor? Meteors enter Earth like a fireball, and this object also appears to be a rock from space. But it appears bigger than an average meteor in the video. Some people also speculated that authorities were likely testing a missile interception system. Several people on X also posted that China had “successfully intercepted a meteor that was going to crash into Shandong Province, and has plans to develop a full-fledged planetary defence system against meteorite and asteroid impacts.” Suppose it was a meteor, the question then arises about how the authorities would be prepared to shoot down a meteor, since you can't predict its entry. NASA and other space agencies keep a watch for hazardous asteroids, but meteors are smaller fragments which are mostly a surprise element and not spotted before their entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Also Read: Hellfire missile hit a 'UFO' over Yemen. Scientist suggests what it really was - 'Not alien, but...' Watch video of ‘China shooting down meteor’

Did a missile slam into a meteor over China? China has been racing ahead in the field of space, and is also preparing its planetary defence system to safeguard the planet from a hazardous asteroid or comet. But could it have crashed a missile into a meteor?

Watch: Did China shoot down a meteor with a missile? Scientists doubt Friday's fireball came from space

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying,&nbsp;"Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson.

In an interview with&nbsp;Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage.

Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-heavenly-palace-space-station-us-space-command-says-our-space-assets-at-risk-541935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response, Liu said:&nbsp;"China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain."

Nelson, the top&nbsp;NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-natural-partners-in-space-exploration-says-us-official-526472">India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official</a>

"It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research."

As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases.

He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/we-better-watch-out-nasa-chief-says-us-china-locked-in-space-race-as-mission-moon-heats-up-548854">‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up</a>

Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions.

As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole.

Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast."&nbsp;

However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground.

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson. In an interview with Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' In response, Liu said: "China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain." Nelson, the top NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first. Also read | India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official "It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research." As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases. He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas. Also read | ‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions. As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole. Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast." However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources

Two astronauts on board China's Tiangong space station successfully completed a six-hour spacewalk Friday, the national human spaceflight agency said. Astronauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang returned safely to the Wentian lab module of the space station early Friday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said, while declaring the first spacewalk of the six-month Shenzhou-14 mission a "complete success".

The duo carried out the tasks with the help of a small robotic arm, the CMSA said. This was their first time exiting the new Wentian lab module.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
China's Shenzhou-14 taikonauts successfully completed their first extravehicular activities at 00:33 Beijing Time on Friday. Watch how Chen Dong and Liu Yang finished their first spacewalk. <a href="https://t.co/JBrQ7JQSO6">pic.twitter.com/JBrQ7JQSO6</a>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1565638394155134976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

China has been paying a lot of attention to its space programme. It has already landed a rover on Mars and sent probes to the Moon.

State media images showed the pair opening the hatch of the module and using a robotic arm to manoeuvre equipment with the rotating earth in the background.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-successfully-tests-giant-sail-to-collect-and-clean-up-space-junk-495428">China successfully tests giant 'sail' to collect and clean up space junk</a>

"Hello, everyone. I'm out of the module. I'm feeling good," Chen, a former military pilot, said in a video.&nbsp;

The pair completed several tasks, including installing external parts to the module and testing its functions. The other astronaut Cai Xuzhe coordinated from inside the cabin, official news agency Xinhua reported.

The Shenzhou-14 spacecraft was launched on June 5 and carried three astronauts to complete the construction of Tiangong during a six-month mission. The space station is expected to become fully operational by the end of the year. Overall, this was the fifth spacewalk to happen outside China's space station.

Chen, Liu and Cai are the second crew to spend six months aboard Tiangong after the last one returned to earth in April following 183 days on the space station.

Tiangong's core module entered orbit early last year and is expected to operate for at least a decade. The completed station will be similar to the Soviet Mir station that orbited Earth from the 1980s until 2001.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Two astronauts on board China's Tiangong space station successfully completed a six-hour spacewalk Friday, the national human spaceflight agency said. Astronauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang returned safely to the Wentian lab module of the space station early Friday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said, while declaring the first spacewalk of the six-month Shenzhou-14 mission a "complete success".

Two astronauts on board China's Tiangong space station successfully completed a six-hour spacewalk Friday, the national human spaceflight agency said. Astronauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang returned safely to the Wentian lab module of the space station early Friday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said, while declaring the first spacewalk of the six-month Shenzhou-14 mission a "complete success". The duo carried out the tasks with the help of a small robotic arm, the CMSA said. This was their first time exiting the new Wentian lab module. China's Shenzhou-14 taikonauts successfully completed their first extravehicular activities at 00:33 Beijing Time on Friday. Watch how Chen Dong and Liu Yang finished their first spacewalk. pic.twitter.com/JBrQ7JQSO6 — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) September 2, 2022 × China has been paying a lot of attention to its space programme. It has already landed a rover on Mars and sent probes to the Moon. State media images showed the pair opening the hatch of the module and using a robotic arm to manoeuvre equipment with the rotating earth in the background. Also Read | China successfully tests giant 'sail' to collect and clean up space junk "Hello, everyone. I'm out of the module. I'm feeling good," Chen, a former military pilot, said in a video. The pair completed several tasks, including installing external parts to the module and testing its functions. The other astronaut Cai Xuzhe coordinated from inside the cabin, official news agency Xinhua reported. The Shenzhou-14 spacecraft was launched on June 5 and carried three astronauts to complete the construction of Tiangong during a six-month mission. The space station is expected to become fully operational by the end of the year. Overall, this was the fifth spacewalk to happen outside China's space station. Chen, Liu and Cai are the second crew to spend six months aboard Tiangong after the last one returned to earth in April following 183 days on the space station. Tiangong's core module entered orbit early last year and is expected to operate for at least a decade. The completed station will be similar to the Soviet Mir station that orbited Earth from the 1980s until 2001. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Shenzhou-14 astronauts successfully complete six-hour spacewalk

Three Chinese astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after 183 days in space, state television reported, completing the country's longest crewed space mission to date. Here are ten things you should know.

10 things about China's recent space mission

As China's astronauts left for the new space station last week, Wang Xiaojun, the head of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), revealed the country's Mars ambition at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2021)

Wang Xiaojun in a "plan for future Mars expedition" said that in the first phase Mars sample will be collected followed by a manned mission to the Red Planet and the building of a Mars base, according to China's state-run Global Times.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-launches-three-man-crew-to-new-space-station-392059/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the final step, China will undertake "Earth-Mars cargo fleet and large scale development of the Red Planet", the state-run Global Times quoted the Chinese scientist as saying.

The timetable for the Mars mission stretches over a ten year period from 2033 to 2043. The country has poured billions of dollars into its space project as it tries to catch up with the United States and Russia

In 2016, China had launched its second orbital lab - the Tiangong-2 with ambitions to build a base on the Moon. China's space agency had said it plans to launch a crewed lunar mission by 2029.

The country's Chang'e-4 robot had landed on the far side of the Moon two years ago which was followed by China hosting its flag on the lunar surface.

China's Tianwen-1 had sent back the first images of Mars in February reaching another milestone. China's latest project which is underway is intended to keep its presence in space for the next ten years as the astronauts dock with the core Tianhe module.

The country is currently building its space station Tiangong which will need several missions for total assembly although it won't be on the same scale as the International Space Station(ISS) even though Beijing has said it is open to international collaboration.

As China's astronauts left for the new space station last week, Wang Xiaojun, the head of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), revealed the country's Mars ambition at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2021) Wang Xiaojun in a "plan for future Mars expedition" said that in the first phase Mars sample will be collected followed by a manned mission to the Red Planet and the building of a Mars base, according to China's state-run Global Times.

As China's astronauts left for the new space station last week, Wang Xiaojun, the head of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), revealed the country's Mars ambition at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2021) Wang Xiaojun in a "plan for future Mars expedition" said that in the first phase Mars sample will be collected followed by a manned mission to the Red Planet and the building of a Mars base, according to China's state-run Global Times. Watch: In the final step, China will undertake "Earth-Mars cargo fleet and large scale development of the Red Planet", the state-run Global Times quoted the Chinese scientist as saying. The timetable for the Mars mission stretches over a ten year period from 2033 to 2043. The country has poured billions of dollars into its space project as it tries to catch up with the United States and Russia In 2016, China had launched its second orbital lab - the Tiangong-2 with ambitions to build a base on the Moon. China's space agency had said it plans to launch a crewed lunar mission by 2029. The country's Chang'e-4 robot had landed on the far side of the Moon two years ago which was followed by China hosting its flag on the lunar surface. China's Tianwen-1 had sent back the first images of Mars in February reaching another milestone. China's latest project which is underway is intended to keep its presence in space for the next ten years as the astronauts dock with the core Tianhe module. The country is currently building its space station Tiangong which will need several missions for total assembly although it won't be on the same scale as the International Space Station(ISS) even though Beijing has said it is open to international collaboration.

China unveils ambitious Mars mission roadmap till 2043

China's lunar rover got back to work on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-lands-probe-on-far-side-of-moon-report-187974"> far side of the Moon</a> Thursday after waking from a five-day hibernation, its official social media page announced.

"Afternoon nap is over, waking up and getting moving," the Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2) posted on the Twitter-like Weibo.

The rover on Saturday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/china-lands-on-the-far-side-of-moon-here-is-the-science-behind-the-mission-188214"> went into standby mode to protect</a> itself from temperatures reaching towards 200 degrees Celsius, the China Lunar Exploration Program under the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

The 140-kilogram (308-pound) rover has since resumed activities, which will include taking a picture of the front side of the lander and exploration missions.

The Chang'e-4 mission - named after a moon goddess - made the world's first soft landing on the Moon's far side on January 3rd.

The rover, named after the moon goddess's pet rabbit, successfully separated from the lander and drove onto the Moon's surface last Thursday.

Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans on a lunar mission.

This is the second Chinese probe to land on the Moon, following the Yutu (Jade Rabbit) rover mission in 2013.

China's space agency has said the mission "lifted the mysterious veil" from the far side of the Moon, which is never seen from Earth, and "opened a new chapter in human lunar exploration".

Unlike the near side of the moon that offers many flat areas to touch down on, the far side is mountainous and rugged.

The Moon is "tidally locked" to Earth in its rotation so the same side is always facing Earth.

The Chang'e-4 probe is equipped with instruments developed by scientists from Sweden, Germany and China to study the lunar environment, cosmic radiation and the interaction between solar wind and the Moon's surface, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Chang'e-4 landed within the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, the largest and deepest impact crater in the solar system.

Scientists have said it is a key area for solving several unknowns about the moon, including its internal structure and thermal evolution.

China's lunar rover got back to work on the far side of the Moon Thursday after waking from a five-day hibernation, its official social media page announced. "Afternoon nap is over, waking up and getting moving," the Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2) posted on the Twitter-like Weibo.

China's lunar rover got back to work on the far side of the Moon Thursday after waking from a five-day hibernation, its official social media page announced. "Afternoon nap is over, waking up and getting moving," the Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit-2) posted on the Twitter-like Weibo. The rover on Saturday went into standby mode to protect itself from temperatures reaching towards 200 degrees Celsius, the China Lunar Exploration Program under the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said. The 140-kilogram (308-pound) rover has since resumed activities, which will include taking a picture of the front side of the lander and exploration missions. The Chang'e-4 mission - named after a moon goddess - made the world's first soft landing on the Moon's far side on January 3rd. The rover, named after the moon goddess's pet rabbit, successfully separated from the lander and drove onto the Moon's surface last Thursday. Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans on a lunar mission. This is the second Chinese probe to land on the Moon, following the Yutu (Jade Rabbit) rover mission in 2013. China's space agency has said the mission "lifted the mysterious veil" from the far side of the Moon, which is never seen from Earth, and "opened a new chapter in human lunar exploration". Unlike the near side of the moon that offers many flat areas to touch down on, the far side is mountainous and rugged. The Moon is "tidally locked" to Earth in its rotation so the same side is always facing Earth. The Chang'e-4 probe is equipped with instruments developed by scientists from Sweden, Germany and China to study the lunar environment, cosmic radiation and the interaction between solar wind and the Moon's surface, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Chang'e-4 landed within the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, the largest and deepest impact crater in the solar system. Scientists have said it is a key area for solving several unknowns about the moon, including its internal structure and thermal evolution.

Watch: China's lunar rover Chang'e-4 begins work, shows Moon landscape