China is expected to launch its first lunar satellite soon under its ambitious moon exploration programme which has entered the stage of implementation, the Press Trust of India reported today. Development of the satellite, called Chang'e I and the carrier Long March 3A have been completed after numerous tests, officials with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) were quoted as saying by the state-run media Saturday. The moon probe satellite is expected to fulfil a string of missions, including collecting three-dimensional moon images and exploring lunar features. It took three years and more than 10,000 scientists and technicians to develop Chang'e I and its supporting systems, chief commander of the lunar programme, Luan Enjie said.
