China's first lunar probe Chang'e-1 has begun to use solar
energy for power supply as the solar panel of the orbiter was
unfolded as planned, according to the control center.
The circumlunar satellite Chang'e-1 blasted off on a Long March
3A carrier rocket at 6:05 p.m. from the No. 3 launching tower in
the Xichang Satellite Launch Center of southwestern Sichuan
Province.
Chang'e-1 weighs about 2,300 kg in total and the fuel carried by
the orbiter accounts for nearly half of its total weight.
The lunar probe, the most sophisticated satellite Chinese
experts have yet handled, is expected to enter earth-moon transfer
orbit on October 31 and arrive in the moon's orbit on November
5.
The satellite will relay the first picture of the moon in late
November and will then continue scientific explorations of the moon
for a year.
(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2007)