Chinese Scientists Getting Ready For Upcoming Lunar Probe Launching

October 17, 2007 2:10 p.m. EST

Beijing, China (AHN)--Authorities in China are studying possible glitches that may crop up during the launch of its first lunar orbiter.

Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense Director Zhang Qingwei said they are doing some tests to ensure the success of the launching.

Although simulating some of the lunar tasks of the probe are difficult, Zhang is confident that solutions can be found among available sources.

Chang'e I is expected to be launched later this month, but reports from newspapers in the capital say, it could happen any day next week.

The Chinese lunar probe, named after a goddess, will be documenting 3-D images of the moon's surface.

Using a 3-dimensional CCD Stereo Camera and a laser altimeter, Chang'e I will be able to record the altitudes from every points of the moon.

Data gathered will help scientists put together a 3D lunar topographical map.

Its second task is to measure useful elements and material on the surface, like Potassium, Uranium, Titanium and Iron, with the gamma/x-ray spectrometers

This will help China figure out what resources are available on the moon and possible location sites for establishing permanent bases.

The microwave detector aboard the probe has the ability to identify material buried underground: it will be used to find substitutes for soil.

The last task of the Chang'e I is to study the space environment and the effects of sun using devices that will detect high energy solar particles and low-energy ions.

Chang'e and its rocket launcher, the Long March 3-A, are located at the Xichang Satellite Launching Center in Sichuan province, Southwest China.

Director Zhang reported that the probe has been fueled and now connected with the launcher.

After the lunar probe, the Chinese government is planning to send out rovers to collect soil and other samples on the moon.