A volcanic region on the near side of the Moon could become the landing site for China’s first manned expedition. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a new scientific study published in the journal Nature Astronomy on March 9.
China plans to send its first taikonauts to the Moon by the end of this decade. Over the past year, the country has been actively testing equipment for this ambitious program: landing and takeoff simulations from the lunar surface are being conducted, emergency escape systems for the manned spacecraft are being tested, and new launch vehicles are being tested. Now, scientists have presented a detailed analysis of one of the priority landing sites, which demonstrates not only the engineering suitability but also the enormous scientific potential of a future mission.
Professor Jun Huang of the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan and his colleagues used a large number of orbital images and datasets collected by various spacecraft to study the Bode Groove region. The analysis showed that this region combines relatively safe landing conditions with high scientific value.
The Bode Groove region is located near the volcanic plains of the Gulf of Torrent on the near side of the Moon, just north of the lunar equator. It is one of 14 possible taikonaut landing sites selected from an initial list of 106 candidates. Key criteria included the visible side of the Moon (for reliable communications with Earth), relatively flat terrain, and low latitudes for efficient power supply for solar panels.
Scientists noted that the Bode Rim region provides access to a variety of lunar rock types in a relatively small area. Ancient lava flows, rille—long, narrow channels formed by tectonic activity and lava flow—and ejecta from nearby impact craters are found here. The planned use of an unpressurized rover will allow astronauts to explore these features and collect samples for further analysis.
Within the region, scientists have identified four potential landing sites, each with unique scientific priorities. Professor Huang noted that the Bode Furrows can be called a true “geological museum,” successfully combining engineering safety and research potential.
Scientists are particularly interested in the so-called dark mantle deposits—volcanic ash and glass beads ejected from the depths of the Moon billions of years ago during powerful eruptions. These materials provide a glimpse into the composition of the lunar mantle, which is usually hidden beneath kilometers of crust.
Studying these rocks, as well as the region’s lava channels, will help scientists reconstruct the history of the Moon’s volcanic activity. Analysis of the samples will help scientists understand how the Earth’s satellite cooled, what processes caused the largest eruptions, and how the lunar crust formed.
Huang emphasized that the final site for China’s first manned mission has not yet been selected. In the coming years, China plans to launch a special remote sensing satellite of the Moon, which will provide additional data to refine landing routes and select the best objects for study.
Experts note that a successful mission to the Bode grooves will be an important stage in the exploration of the Moon and will allow the collection of unique data that will help scientists not only understand the history of the Earth’s satellite, but also prepare for future interplanetary expeditions.
