Chang’e 1

Chinese lunar probe

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July 23, 2026

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The Chang'e program is a series of lunar probes launched by the China National Space Administration. These probes are named after a Chinese goddess who legend says flew to the Moon.

Chang'e 1, China's first spacecraft to leave Earth orbit, was launched in October 2007. Its mission involved mapping the lunar surface, analyzing its chemical composition, and testing technologies for future lunar missions. It carried instruments like a stereo camera, a laser altimeter, and spectrometers to study the Moon's surface and potential resources like helium-3. After orbiting the Moon for about 16 months, Chang'e 1 was intentionally crashed into the lunar surface in March 2009.

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Chang’e
Chang’e 1 was China’s first spacecraft to travel beyond Earth orbit. Its mission included stereoscopic imaging of the lunar surface, assaying the chemistry of the surface, and testing technologies that could be used in expanding the Chinese national space program to the Moon. A Long…
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Chang’e 1 was China’s first spacecraft to travel beyond Earth orbit. Its mission included stereoscopic imaging of the lunar surface, assaying the chemistry of the surface, and testing technologies that could be used in expanding the Chinese national space program to the Moon. A Long…
Read More

Moon
Return to the Moon
…launched in 2007), China (Chang’e 1, launched in 2007), and India (Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008). Chang’e 1 and Chandrayaan-1 were each their respective country’s first satellite to leave Earth orbit. All three of these probes orbited the Moon. Chang’e 2 (launched in 2010) also orbited the Moon and after…
Read More
…launched in 2007), China (Chang’e 1, launched in 2007), and India (Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008). Chang’e 1 and Chandrayaan-1 were each their respective country’s first satellite to leave Earth orbit. All three of these probes orbited the Moon. Chang’e 2 (launched in 2010) also orbited the Moon and after…
Read More