Lunar Exploration Program

As early as in 1994, Chinese space scientists began to study the possibility of lunar exploration. In 1996, they had completed the technical program of the lunar exploration satellite, solved key technological problems by 1998 and put together the three-stage plan of "Orbiting, Landing and Returning" in 2004.

The launch of the Chang'e I lunar satellite represented the first phase of the project for probing the surface environment, geomorphological structure, terrain, geological structure and physical field of the moon. The second phase is expected to be accomplished by 2013, when a landing probe will also be launched. The "Returning" part of the plan is scheduled to be accomplished in 2017. In the meantime, the relevant departments are researching deep space probe possibilities in the future, including a landing on the Mars and other minor planets.

At 18:05 on October 24, 2007, China's first lunar module Chang'e I was launched successfully from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, symbolizing a new breakthrough in the development and research of China’s satellite technology. Sending back the first full map of the moon's surface to China one month after its launch, the satellite ended its 16-month mission on March 1, 2009 when it hit the lunar surface at 1.50 degrees south latitude and 52.36 degrees east longitude.

Chang'e I satellite boasts 12 technological innovations.