Who landed on the moon most recently? This question may seem straightforward, but the answer is not as simple as it appears. The moon has been a focal point of human exploration and ambition for decades, and the most recent lunar landing took place not by humans, but by a robot.
The most recent landing on the moon occurred on January 3, 2019, when the Chang’e 4 lunar probe, developed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), successfully touched down on the far side of the moon. This historic mission marked the first time a spacecraft had landed on the lunar far side, which is the portion of the moon that has never been visible from Earth.
The Chang’e 4 probe was part of China’s Chang’e lunar exploration program, which aims to further understand the moon’s surface and composition. The probe was equipped with a variety of scientific instruments, including a lunar lander, a rover, and a relay satellite. The rover, named Yutu 2, became the first lunar rover to operate on the far side of the moon, providing valuable data on the moon’s geology and environment.
While the Chang’e 4 mission was a significant achievement for China’s space program, it was not the first time robots had landed on the moon. The United States’ Apollo program, which spanned from 1969 to 1972, saw six manned moon landings. The last manned moon landing took place on December 14, 1972, when Apollo 17’s crew, consisting of astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt, returned to Earth after spending three days on the lunar surface.
Since the Apollo program, the moon has seen a resurgence of interest from various space agencies around the world. The Chang’e program is just one example of this renewed focus on lunar exploration. Other countries, such as India, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, have also announced plans to send missions to the moon in the coming years. The race to return humans to the moon and explore its resources is well underway, and the future of lunar exploration looks promising.
In conclusion, while humans have not landed on the moon since 1972, robots have continued to explore and expand our understanding of the lunar surface. The most recent landing, by the Chang’e 4 probe, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to unlock the secrets of the moon. As technology advances and more countries join the lunar exploration race, the next chapter in our relationship with the moon is sure to be filled with exciting discoveries and advancements.
