On This Day, October 24, 2007, China marked a significant milestone in its space exploration history by launching Chang’e 1, the first spacecraft in the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program. This mission represented China’s growing capabilities and ambitions in space exploration, particularly in lunar research.
Chang’e 1 was named after the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, continuing the tradition of naming space missions after mythological or historical figures. The primary objectives of the mission were to map the lunar surface, analyze the distribution of elements and materials on the moon, and investigate the depth of the lunar soil, among other scientific goals.
The spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit in November 2007, embarking on a mission that would last over a year. During this time, Chang’e 1 transmitted a wealth of valuable data back to Earth, including detailed images of the moon’s surface. These findings contributed significantly to the global understanding of the moon’s geography and geology.
On March 1, 2009, after completing its mission objectives, Chang’e 1 was intentionally crashed into the lunar surface. This controlled impact marked the end of a highly successful mission and laid the groundwork for subsequent missions in the Chang’e program.
Chang’e 1’s success was a major achievement for China’s space program, demonstrating the nation’s technological advancements and its commitment to becoming a key player in space exploration. The mission’s success paved the way for further lunar exploration by China, including rover missions and, potentially, crewed lunar missions in the future.
