嫦娥三号 (Chang'e 3) / 玉兔 (Jade Rabbi) final preparation underway for powered descent and approach onto Sinus Iridum (Bay of Rainbows), possibly within the vicinity of the Laplace A crate. Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) on targeted Landing Site (LS) upon completion of the terminal landing and free descent phase is 2013-12-14 T 21:30 +8 (UTC +8 / SST).
This will be the first soft landing on the lunar surface since the Lunik 24 / Luna 24 (Ye-8-5M series) mission in August 1976 thus cementing the People's Republic of China (PRC) position as only the third nation to have ever done so in the history's book.
This will be the first soft landing on the lunar surface since the Lunik 24 / Luna 24 (Ye-8-5M series) mission in August 1976 thus cementing the People's Republic of China (PRC) position as only the third nation to have ever done so in the history's book.