China has taken another step closer to landing on the moon. An experimental spacecraft has returned to earth, after successfully testing separation and docking procedures, for a module that's expected to land on the lunar surface in 2017.
The test mission was launched in October last year. The docking experiment was carried out as the spacecraft orbited the moon. The mission also tested flight control procedures and lunar orbiting precision.
The un-piloted space capsule returned to earth after the eight-day test flight. The Chang'e Five orbiter is set for launch around 2017. It will separate from a probe that will land on the moon's surface. It will collect samples, redock with the orbiter, and return them to earth. (CCTV.com)
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