China rocketing ahead in space program

China's space technology has progressed to a new phase with the launch of its first lunar orbiter Chang'e I on a Long March 3A carrier rocket.

In September, Japan launched the Kaguya lunar orbiter on a mission to observe the moon. Kaguya has already entered orbit around the moon. The main satellite and two sub-satellites, which separated from the main one, are in the final stage of preparation for their observation of the lunar surface and other missions.

Senior officials of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which launched Kaguya, were invited by Chinese authorities to watch the launch of Chang'e I.