ISLAMABAD – China is preparing to make the first attempt at landing roboticspacecraft on the Moon’s far side.

A static lander and rover are expected to be deployed to the surface in thenext day.

In recent days, the Chang’e-4 spacecraft has lowered its orbit inpreparation for landing.

A report in the state-run China Daily newspaper suggests Chang’e-4 couldbegin descending on its thrusters sometime from 2-3 January.