China was "losing no time" in preparing its first lunar orbiter,
Chang'e I, which will most likely be launched in the second half of
2007, a space official said in Beijing on Sunday.
"The moon probe project is the third milestone in China's space
technology after satellite and manned spacecraft projects, and a
first step for us in exploring deep space," said Sun Laiyan, chief
of the China National Space Administration.
Sun, also vice director of the Commission of Science Technology
and Industry for National Defence, made the remarks when briefing
students at Beijing Jiaotong University on China's space
program.
China's moon exploration program is divided into three phases --
"circling the moon,” "landing on the moon," and "back to earth,”
said Sun.
The launch of the orbiter is the first phase of China's moon
exploration program, and the second phase will involve the
launching of a moon rover, he added.
Earlier reports said the moon rover would be launched around
2012.
In the third phase, another rover will land on the moon and
return to earth with lunar soil and stone samples, Sun said.
"Space activities combine advanced technology, heavy investment,
big profits and high risks," Sun explained, adding that only 48
percent of the world's lunar probing projects had succeeded.
"However, the returns (of space activities) are huge, in terms
of politics, economy, military, and convenience brought to everyday
life," he said. "For one dollar invested in space science, you can
expect direct and indirect returns of at least seven dollars."
In addition to moon exploration, Sun said China would continue
the research on manned space missions, including a space walk and
experiments to link passing spacecraft.
China carried out its maiden piloted space flight in October
2003, making the country the third in the world following the
former Soviet Union and the United States to have put men into
space. In October 2005, China sent its second manned spacecraft
into space, with two astronauts on board.
China will also build 12 "Compass" satellites, rendered as
"Beidou" in Chinese, part of a space navigation and positioning
system that can provide service to China and its neighboring
countries. It will expand into a global positioning system with 30
satellites in the future, Sun said.
China is one of the few countries that are capable of
independently developing a navigation satellite. Previous reports
said it would provide clients with positioning accuracy within 10
meters, velocity accuracy with 0.2 meter per second and timing
accuracy within 50 nanoseconds.
Five "Compass" satellites have been launched since 2000, with
the latest entering orbit last month.
Sun said every small move in space is of strategic importance
and affects state security.
"Space technology reflects a nation's overall power and is an
important facet of the modernization of national defense," he said.
"China's space mission is to benefit the entire human race by
peacefully using outer space."
(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2007)