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China set to launch lunar orbiter China launches first Moon orbiter
(19 minutes later)
China is preparing to launch its first lunar orbiter, on a planned year-long exploration mission to the Moon. China has launched its first lunar orbiter, on a planned year-long exploration mission to the Moon.
The satellite, named Chang'e 1, will be launched from the Xichang Centre in south-west China's Sichuan province. The satellite, named Chang'e 1, took off from the Xichang Centre in south-west China's Sichuan province at 1800 local time (1000 GMT).
Officials have a three-day window for the launch. Their first choice is 1800 local time (1000 GMT) on Wednesday. It is expected to send back 3D images of the Moon's surface.
Earlier this month, a Japanese lunar probe successfully entered orbit around the Moon. India is also planning a lunar mission in April next year.Earlier this month, a Japanese lunar probe successfully entered orbit around the Moon. India is also planning a lunar mission in April next year.
Space raceSpace race
The Chang'e 1, named after a Chinese goddess who flew to the Moon, will be launched by a Long March 3A rocket. The Chang'e 1, named after a Chinese goddess who flew to the Moon, was launched by a Long March 3A rocket.
Thousands of people living within 2.5km (1.6 miles) of the site and under the flight trajectory will be evacuated as standard procedure, officials at the Xichang Centre said. Thousands of people living within 2.5km (1.6 miles) of the site and under the flight trajectory had been evacuated as standard procedure, officials at the Xichang Centre said.
Once launched, the satellite would be expected to enter lunar orbit in early November, and start sending back pictures of the Moon's surface later that month. The satellite is expected to enter lunar orbit in early November and start sending back pictures of the Moon's surface later that month.
It is expected to remain in orbit for a year.It is expected to remain in orbit for a year.
Efforts by Asian nations to advance their space programmes have gathered pace in recent years.Efforts by Asian nations to advance their space programmes have gathered pace in recent years.
In 2003, China became the first Asian nation to use its own rocket to put an astronaut in space.In 2003, China became the first Asian nation to use its own rocket to put an astronaut in space.
Four years later, Beijing triggered international concern by destroying a weather satellite as part of a weapons test.Four years later, Beijing triggered international concern by destroying a weather satellite as part of a weapons test.