Special report: China launches first lunar orbiter

    XICHANG, Sichuan, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's first lunar probe Chang'e-1 has begun to use solar energy for power supply as the solar panel of the orbiter was unfolded as planned, according to the control center.

    The circumlunar satellite Chang'e-1 blasted off on a Long March3A carrier rocket at 6:05 p.m. from the No. 3 launching tower in the Xichang Satellite Launch Center of southwestern Sichuan Province.

    Chang'e-1 weighs about 2,300 kg in total and the fuel carried by the orbiter accounts for nearly half of its total weight.

    The lunar probe, the most sophisticated satellite Chinese experts have yet handled, is expected to enter earth-moon transfer orbit on Oct. 31 and arrive in the moon's orbit on Nov. 5.

    The satellite will relay the first picture of the moon in late November and will then continue scientific explorations of the moon for a year.