The ShanghaiDaily.com online news website is reporting that the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in Sichuan Province in southwest China, will be the site of the nation’s first lunar satellite launch, set for October 26th. Named “Chang’e”, the satellite has been given the name of the Chinese goddess who flew to the moon. This time around, however, Chang’e I will complete five to seven orbits of the Earth and then proceed to the Moon. The carrier will be a Long March-3 rocket. Both the satellite and the launch vehicle remain on the launching pad and all testing has been completed, according to Chinese officials.
Chang’e’ goal is to orbit and study the moon for about a year and complete a number of tasks, such as obtaining 3D images of the lunar surface. The launch itself will only be viewable by Chinese citizens and the ticket prices for attending this event are around US$106.53 for seating within 2.5 kilometers of the launch site.
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