Chang'e-4 lander

Credit: National Astronomical Observatory

National Space Science Center

Shanghai Astronomical Observatory

Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics

Hefei Institutes of Physical Sciences

Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) accomplished several key tasks for the Chang'e-4 mission as one of three core organizations involved in the project. The Ground Research and Application System (GRAS), which handles data acquisition, processing, management and coordination of scientific applications, was developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of CAS. Most of the payloads for the Chang'e-4 lander and rover were developed by CAS. Furthermore, CAS's National Space Science Center is responsible for the overall management of the Chang'e-4 payload subsystem. The Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) orbital measurement was organized and accomplished by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of CAS. Altogether, over 20 critical instruments and materials crucial to Chang'e-4's safe landing, ongoing operation on the lunar surface and scientific exploration were developed by CAS institutes, including the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Sciences and the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics.