Recently research work on one of the key technologies in China's lunar probing program -- lunar roving vehicle early-stage development has begun in China's 11 scientific research institutions.

Supported by China's High Tech Research and Development (863) Program, Tsinghua University from 1999 began developing lunar roving vehicle. This is the ground experimental vehicle of a lunar rover they developed. This vehicle has not only the functions of normal vehicles in that it can maneuver forth and back, but can also complete functions such as crosswise maneuver and on the spot steering.

Besides through the infrared sensors installed on its body it can detect nearby obstacles and automatically move to circumvent them. According to preliminary statistics by Commission of Science and Technology and Industry for National Defense about 11 higher education and scientific research institutes in China have conducted researches on the development of lunar roving vehicles.

Luan Enjie, general director of China's Chang'e Project and China National Space Administration (CNSA), said CNSA should take into consideration the main principle when designing lunar roving vehicle i.e. it must adapt to the conditions on moon. We will accept various excellent designs and ingenious ideas. We will build a lunar rover of the Chinese brand, with the names of those designing institutions written on it.

(People's Daily April 7, 2004)