Posted on 02/22/2008 1:29:39 PM PST by Islander7
China hopes to launch its second moon-orbiting satellite in 2009, state media reported Friday, as the country steps up its space programme. The news came after scientists regained contact with the country's first lunar satellite Chang'e-1 following a four-hour blackout, Xinhua news agency said.
Ye Peijian, the chief commander of Chang'e-1, did not elaborate on his announcement of the follow-up mission.
Change'e-1 is currently making a three-dimensional survey of the moon, and collecting data on the make-up of its surface, the report added.
The control centre lost contact with the satellite for four hours on Thursday, as it moved into a shadow area caused by Earth blocking out the sun, the report added.
In November, Premier Wen Jiabao hailed the first photo from the probe as evidence of China's rise as a space and technological power, and said it showed the country's dream of flying to the moon was beginning to materialise.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
The control centre lost contact with the satellite for four hours on Thursday,
They thought we shot it down.....
Welcome to 1967!
Competition is good.
Except for them it’s dog years - since they’re on an accelerated development curve courtesy your friendly Clinton Administration.
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