China's 1st moon astronauts could land in Rimae Bode, a 'geological museum' on the lunar near side

image via Space.com

March 9, 2026, 4:01 PM

• •Rimae Bode offers access to ancient lava flows, rilles, and ejecta from nearby craters.
• •Dark mantle deposits in the region may reveal the moon's deep interior composition.
• •Astronauts will receive training to identify key geological samples and navigate the terrain.
• •A dedicated lunar remote-sensing satellite is planned to provide further data for the mission.

A new study identifies the Rimae Bode region on the moon as a prime candidate for China's first crewed lunar mission, offering both scientific value and safe landing conditions. The region presents a diverse landscape, allowing astronauts to sample materials from the lunar interior and ancient impacts within a single area. This location could provide insights into the moon's deep interior, including its volcanic history and chemical composition, transforming our understanding of planetary evolution. Astronauts will undergo intensive geological training to identify crucial samples and navigate the challenging terrain, acting as deep-space detectives.

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