As the launch of the Chang'e 2 lunar probe approaches, three special ships are now in their assigned positions out on the ocean. Their role is to track the position and monitor systems on the satellite.

To support the launch of Chang'e 2, China's Satellite Maritime Tracking and Control Department has sent three survey ships to different locations in the Pacific Ocean.

Ding Xingnong, Party Secretary, SMTC,said, "The Yuanwang-class ships will carry out seaborne tracking and control of the satellite and its separation from the launch vehicle during orbit, and the unfolding of the solar panel."

Ding says all the three ships have arrived at their destinations, and are fully prepared.

Since February this year, the SMTC has been training its personnel and preparing its facilities. The three ships are the most advanced, and two of them took part in the tracking China's manned spacecraft, Shenzhou 7.