Special report: China launches first lunar
orbiter
¡¡BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have
pledged to seize time to start the plan and implementation for the second-phase
of China's lunar probe program at a red-carpet ceremony opened on Wednesday
morning to mark the country's initial success in deep space exploration.
Zhang Qingwei, Minister in charge of the Commission
of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, said the immediate
tasks facing Chinese scientists and technicians were to secure the proper
operation of Chang'e-1, the country's first lunar probe, on its final working
orbit, data transmission and process, scientific analysis and application of
lunar data.
"We will make full use of our research and
development resources and the first-hand lunar exploration data so as to bring
out the first-class fruits in scientific and technical innovation," he said.
Ye Peijian, chief commander and designer in charge of
the satellite system, said Chinese scientists had long been aiming at the
technical forefront in the world's deep space explorations and grasped a slew of
core technologies in orbit design, control and guide of the probe, long-distance
communication and satellite thermal control.
"The Chinese have gained their own leverage in
pushing ahead with deep space exploration," he said.
He advocated the "zero-defect" working concept and
precise and prudent work style prevalent among scientists and technicians whose
average age was less than 35 years old.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA)
released the first picture of the moon captured by Chang'e-1 on Nov. 26, marking
the full success of the first stage of the country's lunar probe program.
The launch of Chang'e-1 kicks off the first step of
China's three-stage moon mission, which will lead to a moon landing and launch
of a moon rover at around 2012. In the third phase, another rover will land on
the moon and return to earth with lunar soil and stone samples for scientific
research at around 2017.
