China set to launch fifth lunar probe in 2017

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China is set to launch the unmanned Chang'e-5, its fifth lunar probe, in South China's Hainan province in 2017, a top Chinese space scientist and a national political advisor said Tuesday.

The photo of the Yutu moon rover taken by the camera on the Chang'e-3 moon lander during the mutual-photograph process after the successful landing of the moon probe on the moon on Dec 15, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua}

It is the first Chinese lunar probe that will collect lunar samples and return to earth. The research into the launch is going as planned, said Ye Peijian, chief designer of Chang'e-1, China's first moon probe, and chief commander of the Chang'e-2 and Chang'e-3 missions.

The preparation of a Long March carrier rocket used to launch the probe and the launch site in Hainan province is also progressing smoothly, he said.

Chang'e-5 will carry a drilling machine to get moon rock from a depth of two meters.

China's lunar exploration program, named after the mythological moon goddess Chang'e, is divided into three stages: orbiting, landing, and return.

China launched its first lunar probe, Chang'e-1, on Oct 24, 2007, from the southwestern Sichuan Province. The probe ended its 16-month mission on March 1, 2009, when it crashed into the moon's surface. The second lunar probe, Chang'e-2, was launched in 2010.

The Chang'e 3, launched in 2013, marked the completion of the second stage of the country's lunar program.

As the backup probe of Chang'e 3, Chang'e 4 will be adapted to verify technologies for Chang'e 5.

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