First lunar surface images from Chinese satellite

The first Chinese lunar satellite, Chang'e 1, has sent the first photographs of the lunar surface, objective that is considered to be the “third milestone” in the country’s space program, after the first satellite launch in 1970 and the first Chinese manned space flight in 2003.

Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, said that the mission is a success, as it shows China’s "will, the ambition and the capability to compose more shining new chapters while ascending the science and technology summit."

The lunar probe was launched on October 24, from the Xichang space centre in the south-western province of Sichuan, demonstrating “China's rising national strength and technical innovation capability," as it "blazed a new trail and accumulated valuable experience" that Wen believes it would be valuable for the next lunar missions, which are scheduled in 2012 and 2017, hoping that they would be able to return carrying mineral samples.

Chang'e 1 used ultraviolet image sensors in order to collect data, being the first satellite that used this kind of technology, according to the Chinese officials. The Earth and moon data gathering has begun on October 30.

Source : http://www.enews20.com