"Chang'E-1, the Chinese lunar probe project, is composed of five systems. The satellite system has 11 sub-systems and the rocket system has 9.  All the systems and sub-systems are assembled and prepared for launch.  Chang'E-1, planned to be lifted off in Xichang, has installed a monitoring and controlling system with a full range of functions." Ouyang Ziyuan, a top academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the chief scientist of the lunar probe project told reporter at the Capital Science Hall on May 27.  All the pre-launch preparations for satellite and rocket launch site and earth data receptions are in place.  Chang'E-1, China's first lunar orbiting satellite will be launched in the second half of 2007.

Under China's lunar probe project released in 2002, China will use all available resources and technologies to accomplish the moon mission.  The objectives are: first to place a satellite into orbit around the moon in 2007; then to land an unmanned vehicle on the moon by 2010; and to return with samples of lunar soil collected by an unmanned vehicle by 2020.  "The first phase of the project includes manufacture of satellite, rocket launch vehicle and all the necessary devices, renovation of the launch site and post-launch development of a monitoring and controlling system." said Ouyang,"The budget for the first phase amounts to 1.4 billion yuan, which is equivalent to the cost of building two Beijing subway lines.  The project however is of great significance to China's national economy and social development."