Beijing: China successfully launched its first moon rover mission Chang'e-3 today.Its a major milestone for China and can be seen as a symbol of its rising global stature.
The launch took place at 1:30 a.m. from a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. The mission was the 25th launch of the Long March-3B, which is the most powerful launch vehicle in the Long March fleet
Chang'e-3 comprises a lander and a Moon rover called “Yutu” (Jade Rabbit). Tasks for Yutu include surveying the Moon's geological structure and surface substances, while looking for natural resources.
It is due to land on the moon in mid-December to explore its surface and look for natural resources.
After entering lunar orbit, Chang'e-3 will go through six stages of deceleration to descend from 15-km above to the lunar surface.
It is the world's third lunar rover mission following those by the United States and former Soviet Union decades earlier.
