Special report: China launches first lunar orbiter

    BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Testing operators have started leaving the launching tower in the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, where China's first lunar probe Chang'e-1 will blast off at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

    In a building about 3 km away from the tower, technicians in the remote control center are uploading the flight programs into the carrier rocket Long March 3A.

    Meanwhile, the 5th platform of the launching tower has been unfolded.