Naming has always been an integral part of Chinese culture. A name can encapsulate a lot of good wishes and affection. China's Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center launched a global naming contest for its unmanned Chang'e 3 lunar rover on Sept. 25 in Beijing. The contest will close in early November.
"The lunar rover is more than a rover," said Zhao Xiaojin, head of the aerospace department at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. "It is an ambassador to the moon, carrying the hope of the Asian people. It will go down in history, so we must give it a name that reflects the thoughts of the whole nation."
There are three phases to the contest. From Sept. 25 to Oct. 25, contestants can submit names to Xinhua.com and qq.com. A committee will be organized to select the top 10 names. From Oct. 26 to Oct. 31, the top three names will be decided by people voting for their favorite name online. In early November, there will be a ceremony to officially name the lunar rover and the top 10 names will be given prizes.
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The rover has two wings, stands on six wheels, weighs 140 kg and will be powered by solar energy. "When it arrives in lunar orbit on board a lander, the rover will choose the best landing site and gently touch down the moon's surface, using optical and microwave sensors to avoid rocks and craters," Zhao said.
The rover will "select the best route, use minimal fuel and make the smallest possible error" during landing and is capable of hovering to steer clear of obstacles, he said. Domestic and overseas compatriots can submit their proposed names for the rover through the Internet and the official name will be announced in November after an online poll on the selected proposals.
Li Benzheng, deputy chief designer of China's lunar probe program, said the name of the rover should express the wishes of Chinese at home and abroad, feature the modern and national traits to inspire people.
Li noted the rover will recognize obstacles on the moon's surface, and plot a path of least resistance by a combination of onboard navigation systems and remote control from the command center.
The rover can "rest", automatically entering a dormant state to recharge its batteries, and return to work after a while, Li said. It can endure a vacuum, intense radiation and extremes of temperature. Temperatures on the moon's surface can range from minus 180 to plus 150 degrees Celsius, said Wu Weiren, the program's chief designer.
The rover is equipped with numerous detectors and information gathering systems such as a panoramic camera and radar measurement devices. The rover will patrol the Earth's natural satellite for about three months.
