China lunar exhibit shoots the moon at Hong Kong Science Museum
Controlled by a computer, the simulation is one of the interactive attractions at the Science Museum's exhibition on China's Lunar Exploration Programme, which opened yesterday.
The mini space rover churns its wheels against the grey sand as it swivels around a box.
Controlled by a computer, the simulation is one of the interactive attractions at the Science Museum's exhibition on China's Lunar Exploration Programme, which opened yesterday.
The exhibition includes about 20 models of space instruments, satellite launch systems and more. Fourteen are real instruments that are identical to those currently in use on the moon. "This exhibition shows the effort our country has put into lunar exploration and our innovative achievements," Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said yesterday.
Open until August 24, the exhibition showcases the moon exploration missions and technology in the programme known as Chang'e, China's lunar exploration project.
In addition to the display of technology, the exhibition includes a cultural section, with Chinese artworks that depict the rich mythology and history surrounding the moon. Launched in 2004, the project has successfully sent three spacecraft to the moon - Chang'e 1, 2, and 3. "We believe this exhibition can give Hong Kong people faith, enhance the cultural exchange between Hong Kong and [mainland] China and develop interest and passion among youngsters," said Zhang Jian-hua, the deputy director of the China National Space Administration.
The biggest display is a life-sized model of the Chang'e 3 Yutu rover and lander, which was launched last year on December 1 and landed on the moon on December 14. The Chang'e 3 lander contains a camera pointing system developed by engineers from Polytechnic University and the China Academy of Space Technology.