Chinese probe in breakthrough outer space travel
Updated: 2013-02-28 19:35
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
BEIJING - China's second moon orbiter, Chang'e-2, has arrived in outer space about 20 million km from the Earth, marking a new breakthrough in the nation's efforts for deep space exploration, Chinese scientists said on Thursday.
The probe is now continuing its deep space travel under normal conditions, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND).
Scientific planning, innovative orbit design, accurate observation and control are the major factors that helped Chang'e-2 save fuel in its flight and guaranteed successful travel in outer space, said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar probe program.
Chang'e-2 was launched on Oct 1, 2010 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center and later orbited the moon to finish a more extensive probe than its predecessor Chang'e-1.
Since its blast-off, Chang'e 2 has scored several records, including being the first to capture a full-coverage map of the moon with a resolution of seven meters and being the first to closely observe the asteroid Toutatis and capture its images with a resolution of 10 meters.
According to the SASTIND, China will launch its third lunar probe, Chang'e-3, in the latter half of the year with the mission of conducting a moon landing.
- Li Na on Time cover, makes influential 100 list
- FBI releases photos of 2 Boston bombings suspects
- World's wackiest hairstyles
- Sandstorms strike Northwest China
- Never-seen photos of Madonna on display
- H7N9 outbreak linked to waterfowl migration
- Dozens feared dead in Texas plant blast
- Venezuelan court rules out manual votes counting
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
American abroad |
Industry savior: Big boys' toys |
New commissioner
|
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
TCM - Keeping healthy in Chinese way |
Poultry industry under pressure |
Today's Top News
Boston bombing suspect reported cornered on boat
7.0-magnitude quake hits Sichuan
Cross-talk artist helps to spread the word
'Green' awareness levels drop in Beijing
Palace Museum spruces up
First couple on Time's list of most influential
H7N9 flu transmission studied
Trading channels 'need to broaden'
US Weekly
Beyond Yao
|
Money power |