Known as Chang'e, the orbiter is designed to collect information about the moon, including data about the availability of 14 usable elements on the moon's surface, the thickness of the moon's surface, and analysis of lunar microwaves. The orbiter also will take three-dimensional images of the moon's surface.

Orbiting and studying the moon is phase one of China's planned moon program. In phase two, tentatively scheduled for 2012, CNSA plans to land a rover on the lunar surface. In phase three, another rover will land on the moon's surface, collect soil and rock samples, and return to Earth.

Deep Space Exploration

In an interview with Xinhua, CNSA chief Sun Laiyan said that the lunar probe is part of China's long-term space goals. "The moon probe project is the third milestone in China's space technology after satellite and manned spacecraft projects," Sun said, "and a first step for us in exploring deep space."

China has been working aggressively on its space program in recent years. In 2003, the Asian nation became just the third -- after the former Soviet Union and the United States -- to put a man in space. It followed that with an Earth orbit by two astronauts in 2005. CNSA has announced plans for the country's first space walk in 2008.

The rocket carrying Chang'e into space is known as the Long March 5, and is capable of carrying between nine and 25 tons into space. China is reportedly working on developing new rockets that are both less harmful to the environment and more powerful -- a necessary predicate to China's oft-stated goal of putting astronauts on the moon.

In an interview with Xinhua in early March, Luan Enjie, the head of China's lunar exploration program, said that the country has a ways to go before its vehicles will be powerful enough to carry astronaut's to Earth's satellite. "Moon landing needs a rocket with 3,000 to 4,000 tons of thrust," Luan said. "But currently the most powerful [Chinese] thrust carrier rocket is at around 600 tons."

Global Implications

China's rapidly accelerating space program is causing some concern. In January, China launched a missile that successfully struck and destroyed one of the country's aging satellites, raising the specter of a new frontier for armed conflict. China also is planning to launch its own version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), called Beidou-2, that is scheduled to be operational in 2008.

CNSA's Sun underscored the program's importance to his country. "As late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping pointed out," Sun said, "if China had no atomic bombs or hydrogen bombs and had not launched its first satellite since the 1960s, China could not be called an influential country and would not enjoy the same international status."