China will launch high-resolution satellites to conduct
surveying and mapping of the moon in upcoming five years, according
to the People's Daily on Saturday.
The satellites will probe the moon's surface, physiognomy,
landform and geological structure to draw a three-dimensional map
of high precision, the report says.
According to earlier reports, China is expected to launch its
first ever moon-orbiting satellite, Chang'e I, by 2007 and
Chinese scientists are testing research facilities to board the
satellite.
After long-standing preparation, Chinese decision-makers gave a
green-light to a moon exploration plan in 2004. The plan is
targeted at surveying and analyzing usable elements on the moon as
well as the space environment between the earth and the moon.
(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2006)