Exploring outer space for benefit of mankind

The successful landing of China's Chang'e 4 probe on the far side of the moon on Jan 3 marks a significant step forward in the exploration of outer space and paves the way for future space missions.

Unsurprisingly, images sent from Chang'e 4 of the moon's uncharted side, which is never visible from Earth, have drawn acclaim both at home and abroad. Both the country and its people have a good reason to take pride in this pioneering achievement, which contributes to the efforts to learn more about our home planet's satellite, the solar system and the universe beyond.

China's lunar exploration program, named after moon goddess Chang'e, began in 2004, and has included orbiting and landing a probe on the near side of the moon, and bringing samples back to Earth. Following the Chang'e 4 mission, China is expected to quicken its steps in exploring outer space.