BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China.

CHANG'E-4 PROBE RESUMES WORK

The lander and rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have resumed work for the 14th lunar day on the far side of the moon after "sleeping" during the extremely cold night.

Both the lander and the rover are in normal working order, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration.

LONG MARCH-5B TO CONDUCT MAIDEN FLIGHT

China's Long March-5B carrier rocket has passed testing and examination before leaving the factory and is expected to make its maiden flight in the first half of 2020, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The Long March-5B, a modified version of Long March-5, has the largest carrying capacity to low-Earth orbit among all Chinese rockets and will be used to launch the capsules of China's space station.

SPACE STATION CORE MODULE

A core module prototype of China's space station and a prototype of China's new-generation manned spacecraft arrived at the launch site in south China's Hainan Province after a week of ocean and rail transport, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) announced Monday.

The core module will take part in joint rehearsals with the Long March-5B carrier rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Center while the new manned spacecraft will be launched by the rocket's maiden flight in the first half of this year.

The core module, named Tianhe (harmony of the heavens), will function as the command and control center of the space station. It is 16.6 meters long with a diameter of 4.2 meters and a takeoff weight of 22.5 tonnes.

MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF INVASIVE WEED

New research conducted by Chinese scientists has revealed the molecular mechanism of the environmental adaptation and rapid growth of a weed, Mikania micrantha, providing insights on how to prevent its invasion.

Mikania micrantha, nicknamed the "mile-a-minute" weed, is an extremely fast-growing, sprawling, perennial vine belonging to the family Asteraceae and native to tropical America. The vine is listed as one of the 100 worst invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Enditem

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