China has duty to explore space, says probe chief

'Missions to boost man's search for sustainable development'

BEIJING - China's space exploration is being fueled by the country's responsibility toward mankind, said a chief designer on the latest lunar probe project.

"The most fundamental task for human beings' space exploration is to research human origins and to find a sustainable way for mankind to live and develop," said Qian Weiping, who oversees work on the Chang'e-2 mission's tracking and control system.