BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Long March-3 carrier rockets have played a crucial role in launching China’s Chang’e space probes, and form a central pillar of China’s overall space program. The upcoming launch of the Long March-3B will showcase updated, state-of-the-art technology and capabilities.
In 2007, the Long March-3A carrier rocket launched the Chang’e-1 satellite into space. The 2.4-ton probe circled the earth before heading to the moon, in a journey that took 12 days.
Then in 2010, the more powerful twin-booster Long-March 3C was used to carry the Chang’e-2 satellite directly to the moon in just 5 days.
The upcoming Chang’e-3 moon probe has a more complicated design and is heavier. That requires the use of the powerful Long March-3B, with its four booster rockets.
The Chang’e-3 moon probe is part of the second stage of China’s three-stage lunar program. It will orbit the moon, before landing to analyze lunar soil and stone samples.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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