China is assembling two models of its first satellite to orbit the moon in preparation for a 2007 takeoff of the final version.

Chief engineer of the exploration project Luan Enjie says the assembly is being used to test the overall performance of the sample satellites, which will take about half a year.

He also says China has made major breakthroughs in long-distance signal transmission, temperature control, and the compatibility of satellite observers and rocket carriers.

China initiated the moon probing project in January 2004.

(CRI February 11, 2005)