China Launches Rocket to the Moon, Its Second Ever
Long March to the Moon China launched its second lunar probe Friday, aiming to test technology that could lead to an unmanned landing by 2013. Xinhua News AgencyThe unmanned launch is a precursor to future moon landings China launched its second moon-bound rocket Friday, laying a foundation for a possible unmanned moon landing by 2013. With the launch of Chang'e-2, China aims to solidify its spot among the moon-faring nations, with the eventual goal of a manned landing. The Chang'e-2 probe will take about five days to reach the moon, much faster than its predecessor three years ago, the Chang'e-1, which took almost two weeks. It will orbit roughly 62 miles above the lunar surface, before entering an elliptical orbit that brings it as close as 9.3 miles above the surface, according to the Xinhua news agency. It will take high-resolution photos of the Bay of Rainbows, the region where Chinese officials...