Ancient Guardians Reach for the Stars
Once protectors in Chinese myths, figures like Chang'e, the Moon Palace goddess, Yutu, the jade rabbit, and Wukong, the Monkey King, now guide our spacecraft and rovers on celestial missions. These legendary names bridge millennia of stories with tomorrow's tech.
Legends on the Lunar Surface
China's lunar exploration program, named after Chang'e, has landed multiple probes on the Moon. The Yutu rover roams lunar terrain, sending back high‑resolution images and data to researchers worldwide.
Wukong's Leap to the Sun
The solar exploration mission, Wukong, also known as the Huǒyáng, studies solar winds and magnetic fields, carrying the spirit of the Monkey King—famed for his power and daring—to our closest star.
Why Myth Matters in Modern Exploration
- Inspiration: Mythical names spark public interest and celebrate cultural heritage.
- Identity: They reflect a shared history and unite scientists and enthusiasts globally.
- Innovation: Stories of resilience and curiosity echo in every engineering challenge.
Looking Ahead
As China continues to push boundaries, these ancient guardians will journey farther into space, reminding us that exploration is as much about our past as it is about our future.
Reference(s):
How Chinese mythical figures live on through space exploration
cgtn.com
