Shanghai Aerospace Bureau revealed recently that China's lunar-probing project, also named Chang'e Project, is progressing smoothly and is likely to speed up the pace.

The Bureau said that to date, scientists have completed the initial samples of devices necessary for the first phase of the lunar-probing project, lunar orbiting, and have formally entered the phase of producing positive samples, which include stereovision camera for shooting the lunar surface, height indicator, and microwave explorer for measuring the depth of soil on the lunar surface.

Moreover, the Chang'e I lunar orbit satellite and the carrier rockets have began production, and the instrumentation and command, launch site and ground application systems have entered the phase of system integration and joint testing.

Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist in charge of China's lunar-probing project, said that the period from 2004 to 2007 is the first phase of the lunar-probing project, which will cost a 1.4 billion yuan investment. Chang'e I satellite will be launched around April 18 next year. Different from other crucial space probing projects, this lunar-probing project of China will publish all observational data so that all research units and individuals interested in lunar research and possessing essential conditions can have access to all observational data and documents from the lunar-probing center free of charge.

(Chinanews, February 15, 2006)