China launches satellite for mission to explore far side of moon

China's bold plans to become the first nation to land a rover on the far side of the moon have taken a giant step forward with the launch of a satellite that will help scientists on earth communicate with the lunar probe. 

The launch of the Queqiao ("Magpie Bridge") satellite on Monday sets in motion an ambitious project that will enable Beijing to "peer into the dawn of the universe", state media said.

China plans to soft-land a moon rover on the distant side of the lunar surface in December.

The satellite will form a "communication bridge" between scientists on Earth and the Chang'e-4 lunar probe, Xinhua news agency said.

The Chang'e 4 project is seen as a major step towards Beijing's dream that humans will one day live on the Moon, and will also help China search deep into outer space.

Astronomers have been seeking a place where they can "detect the weak signals emitted from remote celestial bodies in deep space", Xinhua said.

"The far side of the Moon is such a place, as the body of the Moon shields against radio interference from the Earth," the report added.

"From there, astronomers can study the origins and evolution of stars and galaxies, peering into the dawn of the universe."

The Queqiao satellite blasted into space from a launch centre in southwest China just before 5.30am on Monday, Chinese space officials said.

It entered its orbit and unfolded its solar panels and communication antennas about 25 minutes after lift off.

In Chinese folklore, Magpie Bridge was a bridge formed by magpies to allow two lovers who had been banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way to meet for one day.

China announced last month that it hopes to create a 'mini biosphere' on the far side of the moon.

An 18cm tall bucket-like tin containing flowers and silkworms will be sent to the lunar surface with the Chang'e-4 moon rover. 

Scientists believe the insects and plants will sustain each other.

The far side of the moon is sometimes called the 'dark side' because while the moon rotates, the far side is never visible from the Earth.

A probe as never carried out a soft landing on the far side due to communication issues.