China’s “Moon Rabbit” lunar rover separates from Chang’e moon lander (image from Beijing Aerospace Control Center)
It is time to congratulate the Chinese space agency for landing a probe and rover on the moon. The landing was the first “soft landing” (where no equipment is damaged) on the lunar surface in 37 years—so I am also happy that humankind is back on its nearest neighbor. The Chang’e lunar lander touched down on the Bay of Rainbows on Saturday Morning, December 14th (at least in EST). The Jade Rabbit rover successfully drove out onto the arid dust of the flat “bay” a few hours later. Hopefully the Chinese mission will continue to go successfully and the Chinese Space Agency will continue to launch ambitious space missions. With a command economy and authoritarian government, the People’s Republic could pour money into aerospace science and quickly push space exploration forward–much in the way that the Soviet Union did back in the glory days of the space race. Such a challenge would be good for international science, and it would be good to remind our worthless legislators here in the United States to work together to properly fund science, research, and development.
Chang’e
Chang’e is named after the goddess of the moon in classical Chinese myth, but her story is sad and ambiguous. It is a tale open to several different interpretations (which I will write about, but not now). The moon rabbit, also known as the jade rabbit was originally a pet of the lonely moon goddess, however because his story is far less tragic than hers (and because he is a lovable trickster-rabbit), he has become a figure of immense popularity. According to myth he is an apothecary who grinds medicines, spells, and immortality elixirs on behalf of the gods (and for himself–because what trickster doesn’t skim a little?).
The jade rabbit shows up everywhere in Chinese myth and culture. He even pops in for cameos in some of the great works of Chinese literature (for example, he is the final antagonist in “Journey to the West” wherein the heroes discover him masquerading as the princess of India!). More importantly, in East Asia, it is believed that the stains of the moon are the image of the jade rabbit. Although I have never been able to see the “man on the moon”, the jade rabbit is always there on a bright full moon. I am glad the Chinese space agency named their space probe after this master apothecary and superb trickster!
ferrebeekeeper 
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December 23, 2013 at 11:37 AM
Mike
Wonder if they faked it like we did with the Apollo missions. Any thoughts?
December 23, 2013 at 6:57 PM
Wayne
Thanks to NASA’s pioneering work in space (including the stirring Apollo missions to the Moon), there are now far more satellites monitoring the heavens: I think the Chinese would find it extremely difficult to fool anyone if their mission were not real. Of course some people have made up their minds about conspiracy hoaxes and are quite immune to any evidence.
All of which presumes that anything is real, Mike…if that is your name.
December 23, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Neomys Sapiens
I do totally concur in the necessity and desirability of space travel for the extension of knowledge, the access to resources and information and the protection from disaster and hostile intentions, among others. Therefore I am much at odds with the decision to defer immediate development and construction of a Space Shuttle follow-on to some largely symbolic and still unfunded moon mission. Also, martian exploration could go through some stages of robotic exploration of increasing complexity, to include activities for the support of a tentative human mission, including prepositiong of supplies and equipment, testing the landing system to be used, reconnoitring and preparing the landing site, establishing energy supply etc.
I do have some double-thoughts about China being the one to extend instead of reduce their space activities. Being atheist myself, I have even one reason less to feel an intensive hatred of the communist system, which I spend potentially fighting most of my professional life as an engineer and in analysis of it’s capabilities and intentions. But, on top of the immeasurable violations of human life and dignity, I regard property, including entrepreneurship and trade, as being a right of people. My former spouse of russian descent, which had experienced the Soviet Union herself, did onIy intensify the dislike. As with the communist rule of the former DDR, we did only encounter people of great stupidity or considerable self-interest to be longing for a restoration of the abolished system. So, no! But the PRC differs from the USSR by heaving allowed for the capitalist thing already. Yet, there is also the argument, that the effective difference from any other system, which could govern China (as well as Russia, as one can see) are so small, that changing it wouldn’t matter. But one wonders,
If they are the ones taking to the task, they deserve the praise, Anyway, the Jade Hare, it’s mythical personality, and it’s depictions are really likeable. So it was time for a Chang’e, really!
And don’t talk bad about the ISS – I’ve got a power supply unit up there!..As well as extensive content in SOFIA.
Shrewd/ish Seasons’ Greetings or whatever
December 23, 2013 at 6:49 PM
Wayne
Thanks for your thoughts concerning the socio-political underpinnings of the great nations. My parents used to say that no matter how you divvied up power and wealth, a handful of people with the same personality traits would always end up in control of everything again. The more I look at history and politics, the more I wonder if that isn’t true…