Tag: Lunar Rover

#CNSA #ChinaNationalSpaceAdministration #国家航天局 | #BeltAndRoadinitiative #CLEP #November2020 | #VonKarmanCrater #LunarMission #Change4 #Yutu2 making another Luna trekking 589.6 Meters more #LunaExploration Summary of 690-day scientific trekking adventuring exploring on the #LunarSuface

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As of 23rd November 2020 Monday, The CNSA –China National Space Administration Belt and Road Initiative CLEP- China Luna Exploration Program.. Lunar Mission on the One Hundred Kilometer diameter Von Karman Crater    Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover have completed 24 Day -month scientific exploration on the back of the moon … in which Chang’e-4 completed the 24th day of the work, 嫦娥五号探月 is about to embark on a journey to the moon…… The Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover were at 12 o’clock and 3 on November 22, respectively finished the 24th day of the month at 10:10, and entered the moonlight sleep. As of today, Chang’e-4 has worked on the back of the moon for 690 Earth days, with a cumulative mileage of 589.6 meters.


Based on the 23rd month and day panoramic camera stitched images, DOM images and other data, the “Yutu 2” lunar rover continued to move towards the basalt direction and the high reflectivity impact crater area during the 24th day. Both locations are located northwest.
The infrared imaging spectrometer carried on the “Yutu-2” lunar rover obtained the spectroscopic and mineralogical characteristics of the lunar soil and lunar rocks on the inspection route, in order to reveal the material composition of the landing zone, especially the largest impact basin on the moon-Antarctica-Ai …..The deep lunar material composition contained in the Turken Basin provides important support. The scientific results were published in the international journal “Remote Sensing”.

 

On the far back of the moon, Chang’e 4 completed its 24th day of the moon and entered moon night dormancy; at the Hainan Wenchang Space Launch Field in the motherland, Chang’e 5 has stood on the launch tower, and a “new partner” will soon be ushered on the moon. . At present, various systems are undergoing various tests and other final preparations, and the mission has entered the launch implementation phase, and Chang’e 5 is about to embark on a journey to the moon. Different from the first and second phases of the lunar exploration project, the Chang’e-5 mission of the third phase of the lunar exploration project has a “two-way ticket”, which will realize my country’s first automatic sampling and return of extraterrestrial objects, and complete the lunar exploration project “around, fall, and return.” “Three-step strategic planning has laid a solid foundation for follow-up tasks.

嫦娥四号完成第24月昼工作，嫦娥五号探月任务 即将踏上奔月之旅】嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车分别于11月22日12时和3时10分完成第24月昼工作，进入月夜休眠。截至今天，嫦娥四号已在月球背面工作690个地球日，累积行驶里程589.6米。

 

基于第23月昼全景相机拼接影像、DOM影像等数据情况，“玉兔二号”月球车在第24月昼期间继续向玄武岩方向和反射率较高的撞击坑区域前进，这两个位置均位于西北方。
“玉兔二号”月球车上搭载的红外成像光谱仪获取了巡视探测路线上的月壤和月岩的光谱学和矿物学特征，为揭示着陆区物质成分尤其是月球最大的撞击盆地-南极-艾特肯盆地所蕴含的月球深部物质组成提供了重要支撑。科学成果发表在《Remote Sensing》国际期刊。

 

在遥远的月球背面，嫦娥四号完成第24月昼工作进入月夜休眠；在祖国的海南文昌航天发射场，嫦娥五号已经矗立在发射塔架，月球之上即将迎来一位“新伙伴”。目前，各系统正在进行各项测试等最后准备工作，任务进入发射实施阶段，嫦娥五号即将踏上奔月之旅。与探月工程一期和二期不同的是，探月工程三期嫦娥五号任务拥有“双程票”，将实现我国首次地外天体自动采样返回，完成探月工程“绕、落、回”三步走战略规划，为后续任务奠定坚实基础。(中国探月工程)

Images and visuals are from Weibo CNSA –China National Space Administration –CLEP- China Luna Exploration Program..

#CNSA #ChinaNationalSpaceAdministration #国家航天局 |#BeltAndRoadinitiative #CLEPS #November2020 | #VonKarmanCrater #LunarMission #Change4 #Yutu2 making another Luna trekking 520 Meters more #LunaExploration Summary of 677-day scientific achievements milestone …..

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As of 10 November 2020, The CNSA –China National Space Administration Belt and Road Initiative Lunar Mission CLEP on the One Hundred Kilometer diameter Von Karman Crater    Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover have completed 21-month scientific exploration on the back of the moon. They broke through 677 Earth  Days On the far back of the moon, the Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover ended their moon night dormancy at 3:12 on November 10 and 10:17 on November 9 respectively. They were awakened by light and ushered in the first 24 days. Up to now, Chang’e-4 has successfully operated for 677 Earth days.

Based on the data of the panoramic camera spliced images and DOM images of the detection point, the “Yutu-2” lunar rover will continue to drive northwest during the 24th day of the month, targeting the basalt direction or the impact crater area with high reflectivity. Near the noon of the moon, the “Yutu-2” lunar rover plans to take at least one panoramic camera ring shot, and the infrared imaging spectrometer, neutral atom detector, and lunar radar will carry out simultaneous detection.

Go to the nearest impact crater with brighter reflectivity (purple circled area), the red circle is the location of the rock block

  As the “Yutu-2” lunar rover continues to move northwest, scientists from the core team of Chang’e-4 use the first-hand data returned to continue to produce scientific results. The scientific team recently published an article in the SCI journal “Science China Information Sciences” and pointed out that the impact during the formation of the Antarctic-Aitken Basin is likely to penetrate the lunar crust and impact deep lunar material.

Since the remote sensing observation of the back of the moon by orbiting satellites, a large number of studies have revealed the existence of mafic anomalies at the bottom of the Antarctic-Aitken Basin, which also have different chemical properties compared to returned samples and lunar meteorites. Chang’e-4 probed the sputter layer at the bottom of the impact crater in the Antarctic-Aitken Basin and found that the characteristics of mafic minerals in this area are similar to remote sensing data.

Research data shows that the mafic minerals in the rocks and lunar soil in the Chang’e 4 landing area are dominated by clinopyroxene, which has the same composition as the rapidly cooling magma system. It is believed that the material in the landing zone of Chang’e 4 mainly comes from the recrystallization of the impact melt. The patrol and detection of “Yutu-2” in this area provided a scientific basis for in-depth understanding of the cause of the mafic anomaly at the bottom of the Antarctic-Aitken Basin….

在遥远的月球背面，嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车分别于11月10日3时12分和11月9日10时17分结束月夜休眠，受光照自主唤醒，迎来第24月昼。截至目前，嫦娥四号已顺利工作677个地球日。​

基于探测点全景相机拼接影像、DOM影像等数据情况，“玉兔二号”月球车将在第24月昼期间继续向西北方向行驶，目标为玄武岩方向或反射率较高的撞击坑区域。在接近月午时，“玉兔二号”月球车计划进行至少1次全景相机环拍，红外成像光谱仪、中性原子探测仪、测月雷达开展同步探测。

 随着“玉兔二号”月球车向西北方向不断前行，嫦娥四号核心团队科学家利用传回的第一手数据，持续产出科学成果。科学团队近期发表在SCI期刊《Science China Information Sciences》上的一篇文章中指出：南极–艾特肯盆地形成时的撞击很可能穿透月壳，撞击出月球深部物质。

自轨道卫星实现对月球背面的遥感观测以来，大量研究揭示南极-艾特肯盆地底部存在镁铁质异常，相比返回样品以及月球陨石，也有着不同的化学特性。嫦娥四号通过对南极-艾特肯盆地撞击坑底部溅射物层的探测，发现该区域镁铁质矿物特征与遥感数据相似。

研究数据显示，嫦娥四号着陆区的石块及月壤中镁铁质矿物以单斜辉石为主，这种辉石成分与快速冷却的岩浆系统一致。研究认为嫦娥四号着陆区物质主要来自撞击熔融体的重结晶。“玉兔二号”在这一区域的巡视探测为深入认识南极-艾特肯盆地底部镁铁质异常区的成因提供了科学依据。​​​​

One Mare crisium featured with times frozen Luna mantle layering features..

Images and visuals are from Weibo CNSA –China National Space Administration –CLEP- China Luna Exploration Program..

#CNSA #ChinaNationalSpaceAdministration #国家航天局 |#BeltAndRoadinitiative #CLEPS #October2020 | #VonKarmanCrater #LunarMission#嫦娥 #Change4 #玉兔#Yutu2 #JadeRabbit waking up to a Lunar morning exploration 565.9 Metres 660 #EarthDays on the #VonKarman #Crater.. From a good night sleep..

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As of 23rd October 2020, The CNSA –China National Space Administration Belt and Road Initiative Lunar Mission on the One Hundred Kilometer diameter Von Karman Crater    Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover Chang’e 4 lander and “Yutu 2” lunar rover usher in As the celestial bodies move, night falls once again on the back of the moon. The Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover completed the 23rd day of the month. At 21:40 and 12:00 on October 23, they completed the moon night mode setting according to ground instructions and entered moon night sleep. As of today, the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover have successfully worked on the back of the moon for 660 earth days, traveling a total of 565.9 meters.

Recent basalt coverage area (red line area) recent basalt coverage area (red line area)

Based on the data of the panoramic camera stitched images and DOM images on the 22nd day, the “Yutu-2” lunar rover travelled to the basalt distribution area and the impact crater area with higher reflectivity during the 23rd day. Both locations are Located northwest of the lunar rover. In this travel route, the infrared imaging spectrometer performed a spectral detection of a rock block with a diameter of about 30 cm. The scientific research team is conducting in-depth research on the detection data. During the 23-month scientific exploration, the lander’s lunar surface neutron and radiation dose detector carried out the world’s first on-site- on-site particle radiation environment detection on the lunar surface, and obtained precious first-hand scientific data. The research results are in Science Advance Journal published.

The installation position of the moon surface neutron and radiation dose detector on the lander The installation position of the moon surface neutron and radiation dose detector on the lander

The moon surface neutron and radiation dose detector can comprehensively measure the total particle radiation dose, neutral particle radiation dose, particle radiation LET spectrum, neutrons, and charged particles on the moon surface. The actual measurement results show that the particle radiation dose rate near the landing zone is 13.2uGy/h(si), the dose equivalent is twice that of the surface of Mars and the interior of the space station, 5 to 10 times of a flight, and 300 times of the surface of the earth (Beijing).

The measured monthly radiation dose (the horizontal axis is Universal Time, the vertical axis are respectively: a total radiation dose rate in silicon (microGray/hour), b. neutral particle radiation dose rate in silicon (microGray) /Hour), c. The charged particle radiation dose rate in silicon (microGray/hour), d. The cosmic ray penetrating particle flux (pieces/square centimeter·hour·radian) measured monthly surface radiation dose (horizontal The axis is Universal Time, and the vertical axis are: a total radiation dose rate in silicon (microGray/hour), b. neutral particle radiation dose rate in silicon (microGray/hour), c. silicon Charged particle radiation dose rate (microGray/hour), d. Cosmic ray penetrating particle flux (pieces/square centimeter·hour·radian)

These field measurement results provide important radiation environment parameters for the follow-up lunar exploration in my country. The load also distinguishes the radiation dose of charged particles and neutral particles, thereby providing more accurate radiation physical quantities, which can serve the radiation protection of future astronauts.

Today in the history of spaceflight on 24th October :

On October 24, 2007, my country’s first lunar exploration satellite, Chang’e-1, was successfully launched by the Long March 3A carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, opening the glorious course of my country’s lunar exploration project. On November 12, 2008, the full moon image taken by Chang’e-1 was released. On March 1, 2009, the satellite hit the moon in a controlled manner as scheduled. The successful implementation of this mission marked my country’s entry into the world deep space exploration club and established the third milestone of China’s spaceflight after artificial satellites and manned spaceflight.

On October 24, 2014, my country’s first-month high-speed reentry aircraft was launched from the Long March III C-modified II carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, and it orbited the moon three days later. On November 1, the returner landed in Siziwang Banner, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia, China. As a pilot mission of the third phase of the lunar exploration project, it verified the key technology of lunar sampling and returning, laying a solid foundation for lunar sampling and returning.

Schematic diagram of reentry and return test track Schematic diagram of reentry and return test track…

随着天体的运行，夜幕再次降临在月球背面。嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车完成第23月昼工作，分别于10月23日21时40分和12时，按地面指令完成月夜模式设置，进入月夜休眠。截至今天，嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车已在月球背面顺利工作660个地球日，累计行驶565.9米。

最近玄武岩覆盖区域（红色线条区域）最近玄武岩覆盖区域（红色线条区域）

基于第22月昼全景相机拼接影像、DOM影像等数据情况，“玉兔二号”月球车在第23月昼期间先后向玄武岩分布区域和反射率较高的撞击坑区域行驶，这两个位置均位于月球车西北方向。在此行进路线中，红外成像光谱仪对一直径约为30cm的岩块进行了光谱探测。科研团队正在对探测数据进行深入研究。在23个月昼的科学探测中，着陆器上月表中子与辐射剂量探测仪开展了国际上首次月表实地粒子辐射环境探测，获取了珍贵的第一手科学数据，研究成果在Science Advance期刊发表。

月表中子与辐射剂量探测仪在着陆器上的安装位置月表中子与辐射剂量探测仪在着陆器上的安装位置

月表中子与辐射剂量探测仪可对月表的粒子辐射总剂量、中性粒子辐射剂量、粒子辐射LET谱、中子、带电粒子进行综合测量。实测结果表明，着陆区附近粒子辐射剂量率为13.2uGy/h(si)，剂量当量是火星表面和空间站内部的2倍，一次航班的5到10倍，地球表面（北京）的300倍。

测量到的月表辐射剂量（横轴为世界时，纵轴分别为：a 硅中的总辐射剂量率（微戈瑞/小时），b. 硅中的中性粒子辐射剂量率(微戈瑞/小时)， c. 硅中的带电粒子辐射剂量率(微戈瑞/小时)，d. 宇宙线穿透粒子通量(个/平方厘米·小时·弧度)测量到的月表辐射剂量（横轴为世界时，纵轴分别为：a 硅中的总辐射剂量率（微戈瑞/小时），b. 硅中的中性粒子辐射剂量率(微戈瑞/小时)， c. 硅中的带电粒子辐射剂量率(微戈瑞/小时)，d. 宇宙线穿透粒子通量(个/平方厘米·小时·弧度)

这些实地测量结果为我国后续的月球探测提供了重要的辐射环境参数。该载荷还将带电粒子和中性粒子的辐射剂量进行了区分，由此提供了更加精准的辐射物理量，可服务于未来航天员的辐射防护。

航天史上的今天：

2007年10月24日，我国首颗探月卫星嫦娥一号由长征三号甲运载火箭在西昌卫星发射中心发射成功，开启了我国探月工程的辉煌历程。2008年11月12日，嫦娥一号拍摄的全月球影像图发布。2009年3月1日，卫星按预定计划受控撞月。本次任务的成功实施，标志着我国进入世界深空探测俱乐部，树立了中国航天继人造卫星和载人航天之后的第三个里程碑。

2014年10月24日，我国首个月地高速再入返回飞行器在西昌卫星发射中心由长征三号丙改II型运载火箭发射升空，三日后实现绕月。11月1日返回器在中国内蒙古乌兰察布市四子王旗境内着陆。作为探月工程三期先导任务，验证了月球取样返返回关键技术，为月球采样返回奠定了坚实基础。

再入返回试验轨道示意图再入返回试验轨道示意图

Images and visuals are from Weibo.. ​​​​Also from my own lunar photography @KevinJamesNg 

#CNSA #ChinaNationalSpaceAdministration #国家航天局 |#BeltAndRoadinitiative #CLEPS #October2020 | #VonKarmanCrater #LunarMission#嫦娥 #Change4 #玉兔#Yutu2 #JadeRabbit waking up to a Lunar morning exploration 647 #EarthDays on the #VonKarman #Crater..

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As of 11th October 2020, The CNSA –China National Space Administration Belt and Road Initiative Lunar Mission on the One Hundred Kilometer diameter Von Karman Crater    Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover Chang’e 4 lander and “Yutu 2” lunar rover usher in the 23rd day…… With the sun spreading on the back of the moon again, Chang’e 4 lander and “Yutu 2” lunar rover successfully awakened and ushered in the 23rd day work period (the lander awakened at 11:56 on October 11th and the lunar rover at 18:57 on October 10). Up to now, Chang’e-4 has successfully spent 647 Earth days on the back of the moon.


 Based on the panoramic camera stitched images, DOM images and other data, during the day of this month, the “Yutu-2” lunar rover will drive toward the basalt distribution area or the impact crater area with high reflectivity, both of which are located northwest of the current detection point . In this travel route, there is a rock block with a diameter of about 30cm. The “Yutu-2” lunar rover will use an infrared imaging spectrometer to select an opportunity to perform spectral detection of the rock.
        

In addition, near the noon of the moon, it is planned to carry out the panoramic camera ring shooting, the infrared imaging spectrometer and the neutral atom detector will carry out related scientific detection work, and the lunar radar will carry out synchronous …

With the sun spreading on the back of the moon again, the Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover successfully awakened independently, ushering in the 23rd day of the day (the lander awakened at 11:56 on October 11, the moon The Lunar Rover  woke up at 18:57 on October 10). Up to now, Chang’e-4 has successfully spent 647 Earth days on the back of the moon.​

The purple circled area is the closest impact crater with brighter reflectivity, the red circle is the location of the rock block, the white line is the planned driving path, the purple circled area is the closest impact crater with brighter reflectivity, and the red circle is the location of the rock block. The white line is the planned driving path

Based on the panoramic camera stitched image, DOM image and other data, during the day of this month, the “Yutu-2” lunar rover will drive toward the basalt distribution area or the impact crater area with high reflectivity, both of which are located northwest of the current detection point . In this travel route, there is a rock block with a diameter of about 30cm. The “Yutu-2” lunar rover will use an infrared imaging spectrometer to select an opportunity to perform spectral detection of the rock.

Position of rock block to be detected

In addition, near the noon of the moon, it is planned to carry out the panoramic camera ring shooting, the infrared imaging spectrometer and the neutral atom detector will carry out relevant scientific detection work, and the lunar radar will carry out synchronous detection during the driving. The latest scientific results will be released in time.

随着太阳光再次铺洒月球背面，嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车成功自主唤醒，迎来第23月昼工作期（着陆器于10月11日11时56分唤醒，月球车于10月10日18时57分唤醒）。截至目前，嫦娥四号已在月球背面顺利度过647个地球日。​

紫色圆圈区域为距离最近、反射率较亮的撞击坑，红圈为岩块位置，白线条为计划行驶路径紫色圆圈区域为距离最近、反射率较亮的撞击坑，红圈为岩块位置，白线条为计划行驶路径

基于全景相机拼接影像、DOM影像等数据，在本月昼期间“玉兔二号”月球车将向玄武岩分布区域或反射率较高的撞击坑区域行驶，这两个位置均位于当前探测点西北方向。在此行进路线中，存在一枚直径约为30cm的岩块，“玉兔二号”月球车将利用红外成像光谱仪择机对该石块进行光谱探测。

拟探测岩块位置拟探测岩块位置

此外，在接近月午时，计划开展全景相机环拍，红外成像光谱仪与中性原子探测仪将开展相关科学探测工作，行驶过程中测月雷达开展同步探测。最新科学成果将及时发布。

Images and visuals are from Weibo.. ​​​​

#CNSA #ChinaNationalSpaceAdministration #国家航天局 |#BeltAndRoadinitiative #CLEPS #September 2020 | #VonKarmanCrater #LunarMission#嫦娥 #Change4 #玉兔#Yutu2 #JadeRabbit making another fun learning Luna exploration 5471.20 Meters more #LunaExploration Summary of more than 630-day scientific with more lunar driving…..

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As of 24th September Thursday 2020, The CNSA –China National Space Administration Belt and Road Initiative Lunar Mission on the One Hundred Kilometer diameter Von Karman Crater    Chang’e 4 lander and the “Yutu 2” lunar rover the Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover… Chang’e 4 lander and “Yutu 2” lunar rover awakened autonomously and entered the 22nd day of work] Today, the Chang’e 4 lander and “Yutu 2” lunar rover, which have been working on the back of the moon for 630 days…..  In following.. The Chang’e-4 lander and the “Yutu-2” lunar rover will finish the 22nd month day work at 7:30 on September 24 and 23:18 on the 23rd, and complete the moon night mode setting according to ground instructions, and enter moon night sleep. Up to now, Chang’e-4 has spent 630 Earth days on the back of the moon and travelled 547.17 meters cumulatively.

Based on the 21st month day panoramic camera stitched images, DOM images and other data, the “Yutu 2” lunar rover mainly travels during the 22nd month day, successively in the impact crater and reflection about 1.3km northwest of the landing site Areas with higher rates were detected.

Researchers have made use of data such as panoramic camera ring-shot detection, infrared imaging spectrometer calibration detection, and simultaneous detection of lunar radar during driving, and obtained a number of scientific results, which were recently published in the International Journal of Nature Astronomy.

The scientific team conducted in-depth research on the radar detection data and obtained important discoveries about the lunar soil and shallow structures in the landing zone. Based on the characteristics of low-frequency radar signals, as shown in Figure 1, the shallow structure of the landing area is divided into three basic units, from top to bottom there are strong reflection units (unit 1), weak reflection units (unit 2), and medium reflection units. Unit (Unit 3). Combining basic constraints such as regional geology and the spatial distribution of large-scale impact craters, the results of the geological interpretation are as follows: Unit 1 (total thickness of about 130m) is the accumulation of sputtering materials near multiple impact craters (including Finsen, Alder, and von Carmen). Impact craters such as L and L’) and the basalt breccia layer at the bottom; unit 2 (total thickness about 110 m) is a basalt layer with multiple eruptions; unit 3 (thickness not less than 200 m) is Leibniz in the north of the landing zone Spatter from impact craters. The high-frequency radar signal further gives the fine structure of the upper part of the unit 1, as shown in Figure 2, which is characterized by the presence of a 12m thick lunar soil layer on the top, which basically does not contain large rocks, and the bottom is a strip of 22m thick Sputters, they are all projectiles from the Finsen impact crater, with a total thickness of 34m.

Fig.1 The detection profile and interpretation result of the low-frequency channel of the lunar radarFig.1 The detection profile and interpretation result of the low-frequency channel of the lunar radar

    The lunar radar carried by the “Yutu-2” lunar rover can obtain the geological section below the driving path and reveal the layered structure of the underground. Because the lunar radar is directly based on the lunar surface for detection, the reflected signal detected by it has large energy and clear characteristics, and the effect is far better than that of spaceborne radars more than 100km away from the lunar surface. Moreover, due to the use of a frequency much higher than 5MHz of the spaceborne radar, its resolution advantage is also very obvious. The main frequencies of the two channels of the lunar radar are 60MHz and 500MHz, the spatial resolution is 10m and 0.3m, and the detection depth is about 50m and 500m. The high-frequency channel is used to detect the high-resolution structure of the shallow lunar soil and its underlying sputter, and the low-frequency channel is used to detect the layered structure of the deep sputter and basalt.

Figure 2 The detection profile and interpretation result of the high-frequency channel of the lunar radar

The shallow structural profile obtained by the lunar radar shows that the lunar material detected by “Yutu 2” comes from the Finsen impact crater, not from the filling basalt of the von Karman impact crater itself; at the same time, the radar profile also reveals the landing area has experienced multiple impacts, sputtering accumulation and multiple basalt magma eruptions filling. These new discoveries are of great significance for understanding the evolution of the Moon’s South Pole-Aiken Basin, and have an important guiding role for the subsequent exploration and study of the composition and structure of the Moon’s internal material.

嫦娥四号着陆器和“玉兔二号”月球车分别于9月24日7时30分、23日23时18分结束第22月昼工作，按地面指令完成月夜模式设置，进入月夜休眠。截至目前，嫦娥四号已在月球背面度过630个地球日，累积行驶547.17米。

基于第21月昼全景相机拼接影像、DOM影像等数据情况，“玉兔二号”月球车在第22月昼期间主要以行驶为主，先后在距离着陆点西北方向约1.3km的撞击坑和反射率较高的区域进行了探测。

科研人员利用全景相机环拍探测、红外成像光谱仪定标探测、测月雷达行驶过程中同步探测等数据，取得多项科学成果，近期发表在Nature Astronomy国际期刊上。

科学团队对雷达探测数据开展了深入研究，获得了着陆区月壤和浅层结构的重要发现。基于低频雷达信号特征，如图1所示，将着陆区的浅层结构划分为三大基本单元，由上往下依次为强反射单元（单元1）、弱反射单元（单元2）和中等反射单元（单元3）。结合区域地质和大型撞击坑的空间分布等基本约束，地质解译结果如下：单元1（总厚度约130m）为临近多个撞击坑的溅射物堆积（包括芬森、阿尔德、冯·卡门L和L’等撞击坑）和底部的玄武岩角砾层；单元2（总厚度约110 m）为多次喷发的玄武岩层；单元3（厚度不小于200 m）为着陆区北部莱布尼兹撞击坑的溅射物。高频雷达信号进一步给出单元1上部的精细结构，如图2所示，其特征为顶部存在厚达12m的月壤层，基本不含大石块，其下为厚达22m的条带状溅射物，它们均是来自芬森撞击坑的抛射物，总厚度达34m。

图1 测月雷达低频通道的探测剖面及解译结果图1 测月雷达低频通道的探测剖面及解译结果

    “玉兔二号”月球车搭载的测月雷达能够获取行驶路径下方的地质剖面，揭示地下的分层结构。由于测月雷达直接基于月面进行探测，因此，其探测到的反射信号能量大，特征清晰，效果远优于距月面100km以上的星载雷达探测。而且，由于采用远高于星载雷达5MHz的主频，其分辨率优势也十分明显。测月雷达两个通道的主频分别为60MHz和500MHz，空间分辨分别为10m和0.3m，探测深度分别约50m和500m。高频通道用于探测浅部月壤及其下伏溅射物的高分辨结构，低频通道用于探测深部溅射物和玄武岩等分层结构。

图2 测月雷达高频通道的探测剖面及解译结果图2 测月雷达高频通道的探测剖面及解译结果

测月雷达所获取的浅层结构剖面表明“玉兔二号”所探测的月面物质来自于芬森撞击坑，而不是来自冯·卡门撞击坑自身的充填玄武岩；同时，该雷达剖面还揭示了着陆区经历多期次的撞击溅射堆积和多期次玄武岩浆喷发充填。这些新发现对于认识月球南极-艾肯盆地的演化具有非常重要的意义，对于月球内部物质组成和结构的后续探测与研究有重要指导作用。

 

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