2007, China launched the first moon exploration satellite

Huang Chunping, a leading Chinese space expert, said today that the country will launch the first moon exploration satellite in the second half of this year, 2007.

This satellite, Chang'e I, will be launched into space thanks to the 3-A Truong Chinh rocket. It will provide 3D images of the Moon's surface, examining the distribution of 14 usable elements on the Moon, studying short waves on the Moon and evaluating the thickness of the Moon's soil.

Huang also said China's new generation rocket, designed to launch a space station, will be ready for operation in 7 years. The missile is named Truong Chinh 5 and has the ability to launch heavy objects from 9 to 25 tons.

According to Hung, China is currently behind the US and Russia for 15 years in missile technology.'But with our efforts, we can catch up with the US and Russia in 15 years', he said.

China's Moon exploration program will be carried out in 3 phases. After Chang'e I satellite, a Moon-controlled orbiting probe will be launched into space. In the third stage, a spacecraft explored the Moon will drill a piece of the Moon and bring it back to Earth.

After the US and Russia, it was China 's turn to join the race to explore the Moon
(Artwork from grin.hq.nasa.gov)

WALL VY