Government and Policy

Lunar probe Chang'e-2 to be launched Oct 1-3

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-29 17:27

XICHANG - China will launch its second lunar probe, Chang'e II, at an appropriate time from October 1 to 3, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), in southwest China's Sichuan Province, announced Wednesday.

Fueling of the CZ-3C rocket will begin on September 30.

The lunar probe will test key technology for Chang'e III, collect data for future landings of Chang'e III and Chang'e IV, and provide high-resolution photographs of the landing area.

Chang'e II is expected to take about 112 hours, or nearly five days, to arrive at its lunar orbit.

The country plans to launch its third unmanned probe to the moon, Chang'e III, in 2013.

The satellite, Chang'e II, was produced as an alternative for Chang'e I in 2007.

After the Chang'e I landed successfully on the moon in 2007, Chang'e II became the predecessor, with improved technologies, for Chang'e III.