Chinese scientists have pledged to seize time to start the plan
and implementation for the second-phase of China's lunar probe program at a red-carpet
ceremony opened on Wednesday morning to mark the country's initial
success in deep space exploration.
Zhang Qingwei speaks at the
ceremony. (Photo: Xinhua News Agency)
Zhang Qingwei, Minister in charge of the Commission of Science,
Technology and Industry for National Defence, said the immediate
tasks facing Chinese scientists and technicians were to secure the
proper operation of Chang'e-1, the country's first lunar probe, on
its final working orbit, data transmission and process, scientific
analysis and application of lunar data.
"We will make full use of our research and development resources
and the first-hand lunar exploration data so as to bring out the
first-class fruits in scientific and technical innovation," he
said.
Ye Peijian speaks at the
ceremony. (Photo: CCTV)
Ye Peijian, chief commander and designer in charge of the
satellite system, said Chinese scientists had long been aiming at
the technical forefront in the world's deep space explorations and
grasped a slew of core technologies in orbit design, control and
guide of the probe, long-distance communication and satellite
thermal control.
"The Chinese have gained their own leverage in pushing ahead
with deep space exploration," he said.
He advocated the "zero-defect" working concept and precise and
prudent work style prevalent among scientists and technicians whose
average age was less than 35 years old.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) released the
first picture of the moon captured by Chang'e-1 on Nov. 26, marking
the full success of the first stage of the country's lunar probe
program.
The launch of Chang'e-1 kicks off the first step of China's
three-stage moon mission, which will lead to a moon landing and
launch of a moon rover at around 2012. In the third phase, another
rover will land on the moon and return to earth with lunar soil and
stone samples for scientific research at around 2017.
(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2007)
