The Chang’e-1 lunar probe will explore the
Moon from orbit. The mission includes mapping
lunar topography, surveying the distribution of
chemical elements, and gathering high-resolution
photos of the lunar surface in preparation for
future surface exploration.
China National Space Administration
I don't know about you, but I just can't wait for China to launch its lunar orbiter, Chang'e-1. Not because I'm a big fan of the Chinese space program, although I hope all goes well. It's because the magazine assigned me to write the press release about the launch and the China National Space Administration still hasn't announced a firm launch date.
I've had "Chang'e-1" programmed into a Google Alert since shortly after I started working here, in January. Every day, I get a list of web links emailed to me with references to "Chang'e-1" in the media. At first it was, "expected to be launched this year." Then it was, "in the latter half of 2007." The latest: "expected to be launched in late October." Promises, promises.
More recently, a new theme has emerged in the media coverage of Chang'e-1: the "new Asian Space Race." On September 14, Japan launched its Selene lunar orbiter. India says it will launch its Chandrayaan mission to the Moon in March or April 2008. And China — well, you know.
In the meantime, Google Alerts and printouts of the media coverage keep piling up. Samuel Beckett was waiting for Godot; I'm waiting for Chang'e-1.
There are occasional moments of interest. For example, the Xinhua news service in China reported last week that tourists may purchase a ticket to observe Chang'e-1's launch. The price is 800 yuan, or about $105. Just 2,500 places are available. Applicants will need to undergo security checks.
I assume Chinese tourists would be among the invited. And they would be paying their own government for the privilege of watching a spacecraft lift off that, presumably, the public paid for in taxes. China is the true heir to red-blooded capitalism in the modern world. Who knew?
Watch this You Tube video about Chang'e-1 in Chinese with subtitles!