Probe Will Send Photos In Late November

It's official -- there is an Asian space race developing, albeit an undeclared one. China announced Monday it would launch its first lunar probe this week, according to The Associated Press.

The announcement follows Japan's effort to explore the moon from a high orbit; as ANN reported, that country's Kaguya probe entered lunar orbit in early October. India is reportedly on a similar track, and has announced its intentions to launch in April 2008.

The launch window for China's Chang'e 1 orbiter is set for Wednesday through Friday, with the prime time being 1800 EDT Wednesday, said Li Guoping, a spokesman for the China National Space Administration.

"The orbiting of the moon is a high-tech project of self-innovation," Li told reporters. "It will set the technological foundation for the development of China's space exploration."

The Chang'e 1 will be launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province in southwestern China, Li said.

Everything is A-OK in China according to the AP report, with Li stating "they fully fulfill the technical requirements."

The lunar probe is expected to enter the moon's orbit by November 5, according to Chinese officials.

The mission is very scientifically-oriented, but will also examine mineral resources. Scientists want to analyze the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface, Li said, adding that it will use stereo cameras and X-ray spectrometers to map three-dimensional images of the surface and study the moon's dust.

Li also said the probe would beam its photographs back to earth sometime the second week in November, "Then it will work for one year of scientific exploration."

China was the first Asian country to put astronauts into space in 2003. China also blasted an old satellite into oblivion with a land-based anti-satellite missile, the first such test ever conducted by any nation, including the United States and Russia, earlier this year.

"The mission has a very strong scientific emphasis," said Sun Kwok, professor of physics and dean of science at the University of Hong Kong. "It's not just about technology. It's more than just launching a satellite, it's more than putting the first satellite in orbit."

"It's very good for China being a major power," said Kwok, who is on an advisory panel of Chinese scientists who have been invited to help with data analysis on the Chang'e's findings. "It shows that China is moving more and more into the international space community."

FMI: www.cnsa.gov.cn