These include sending an unmanned rover to the lunar surface as well as sending a probe to collect surface samples and return them to earth.

ECONOMIST: China launches a rocket and aims for the moon

In the months ahead, scientists expect to probe beneath the planet's surface crust for evidence of chemistry favorable to microbial life, using the robot rover's unique high-speed drill.

WSJ: NASA's Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars

He argues that radar astronomy, which is used to probe things like asteroids and the surface of Venus, already gives off signals that could be picked up by aliens.

ECONOMIST: An argument over whether to send messages to aliens