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Conditions fine for China's Chang'e-3 lunar probe launch

(Xinhua)    01:06, December 02, 2013
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Photo taken on Dec. 2 shows the launch pad at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China's Sichuan Province. China will launch the Chang'e-3 lunar probe to the moon at 1:30 a.m. Monday. It will be the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body, where it will conduct surveys on the moon. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

XICHANG, Sichuan, Dec. 1 -- The Long March-3B rocket to carry the Chang'e-3 lunar probe is in normal and sound condition as the launch is within less than two hours, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced late Sunday.

It will be the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body, where it will conduct surveys on the moon.

Chang'e-3 comprises a lander and a moon rover called "Yutu" (Jade Rabbit). The lunar probe will land on the moon in mid-December if everything goes according to plan.

Review:

China announces launch of Chang'e-3 lunar probe "successful"

The launch of China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 was "successful," the Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced Monday.

China's lunar probe enters earth-moon transfer orbit

China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 has entered the earth-moon transfer orbit after it separated from the carrier rocket, space authorities announced Monday.

China launches probe and rover to moon

The lunar probe, aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket, blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 1:30 a.m. Monday.

China's lunar probe with 1st moon rover aboard blasts off

China's Chang'e-3 lunar probe with its first moon rover "Yutu" (Jade Rabbit) aboard blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China early Monday.

Backgrounder: The Moon in Chinese poetry

China will launch the lunar probe, Chang'e-3, named after a legendary moon goddess, to the moon early Monday, the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial object.

China's upcoming lunar probe fantastic: U.S. expert

China's upcoming launch of Chang'e-3 lunar probe is "fantastic" and its space program "impressive", a U.S. space expert said.

(Editor:intern1、Yao Chun)

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