Yutu-2 route map Options

[Phil Stooke]

I am setting this up to record activities of Yutu 2, but it looks as if this will be difficult unless we start to see more data releases. As soon as LRO images the lander (and the image is released) I can put a rough background on the map. When descent images of the actual site are released thay can be improved on. Until then this will be very simple.

Let me know if you see any signs of maps or feature names, including in the background of a TV broadcast or on a forum.

Meanwhile, a first contribution. So simple it's almost not necessary, but you have to start somewhere. So rough I am not including a scale yet.

I welcome anyone else's maps as well.

Phil

[Phil Stooke]

The first part of a map update to the end of lunar day 50. I have to work really hard not to say 'sol 50'.

The major goal at this stage is to reach the bright-rimmed crater at top left, which is on the edge of the basalt region. Anywhere between the current location and that crater a basalt ejecta block might be found, so suitable rocks are inspected carefully as they are encountered. It looks like it would take 3 more years to reach the crater. Either Queqiao must last that long or a replacement will be needed, and one is planned for (approximately) 2024 to support Chang'e 6 and this mission.

As I understand it now, the sample return mission Chang'e 6 is aiming for the lava flows and crater ejecta inside Leibnitz crater, slightly north of Von Karman.

Phil

[Thorsten Denk]

The first part of a map update to the end of lunar day 50. I have to work really hard not to say 'sol 50'.

You could say "month"...
Thorsten