China launches lunar probe
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2007 12:05
China has set out a three-stage moon mission
China launched its first lunar orbiter this morning as part of its wider moon mission.
The satellite Chang'e-1 blasted off onboard a rocket from the Xichang launch centre in the south-western province Sichuan.
Once in space Chang'e-1 will enter the moon's orbit on November 5th and spend a year orbiting Earth's natural satellite.
It is expected to take 3D images of the lunar surface, analyse the distribution of elements on the surface and study the space environment between the moon and Earth, according to Chinese news agency Xinhua.
The satellite is named after the legendary Chinese goddess who is said to have flown to the moon.
Its launch is the first of three stages in China's moon plans. Other phases include landing on the moon, launching a moon rover and bringing lunar soil and stone samples back to Earth for scientific research.
Other countries eager to pursue space research include Japan and India; as part of the 'space race' Japan launched a lunar probe into orbit last month and India is planning to do the same in April next year.