Chang'e 1

Mission Profile

Chang'e 1 was China's inaugural lunar exploration spacecraft, launched on 24 October 2007 aboard a Long March 3A rocket and becoming the first Chinese spacecraft to leave Earth orbit. The 2,350 kg orbiter carried eight scientific instruments to map the Moon's three-dimensional surface, analyze elemental distribution and mineral composition, measure the lunar regolith thickness, and explore the space environment between Earth and the Moon. Operating successfully for 16 months in polar lunar orbit, Chang'e 1 produced the first complete high-resolution map of the Moon generated by China and was intentionally impacted on the lunar surface on 1 March 2009. The mission's success validated all key technologies needed for subsequent Chang'e missions including landing and sample return.