China's first circumlunar exploration satellite, Chang'e I, may
end its one-year mission by bumping into the moon, said chief
scientist of China's moon probe program.
After using up fuel, Chang'e I will fall onto the moon. While
there are several disposal plans, the generally accepted one is to
have it bump into the moon purposefully, said Ouyang Ziyuan
Wednesday at a meeting in southwest China's Guizhou Province.
"We may get some results from the bumping, whether they are big
or small," he said.
He said China's moon exploration program is divided into three
phases -- "circling the moon", "landing on the moon" and "back to
earth".
Named "Chang'e" after the legendary Chinese goddess who flew to
the moon, the program aims to eventually place an unmanned vehicle
on the moon by 2010. Chang'e I will obtain 3D images of the moon's
surface.
He said thirty Chinese songs will be played on the satellite.
"It will take about half a month before Chang'e I enters its work
orbit," Ouyang said, "playing the songs would be helpful for
tracking conditions of the satellite."
(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2007)