In March 2003 China announced plans to send its first unmanned probe to the moon by the end of 2005. Ouyang Ziyuan announced the Chang'e Programme (then still awaiting government approval), named after the Chinese legend about a young fairy that flew to the moon. Luan Enjie, Director of the China National Space Administration, announced China that China would finish the first phase of the Chang'e Programme by 2010

Chang'e would consist of three phases or robotic spacecraft:

• Lunar orbiters, which would map the surface in three dimensions. They would also analyse the content and distribution of useful elements on the lunar surface, measure the density of lunar soil, and monitor the near-moon space environment

• Wheeled rovers, which would roam the lunar surface and examine and collect lunar rocks and soil

• Soil return spacecraft, which would land on the moon, receive the samples collected by the rovers, and return them to earth.

Ouyang said a piloted mission to the moon was not a goal for China within the next decade. This authoritatively refuted several leaks in January/February 2003 of plans for a near-term manned circumlunar flight. The orbiter was within the capability of existing Chinese boosters. The rover and lander would have to await availability of the heavy-lift CZ-5 after 2010.

• Mansfield, Simon, editor, Space Daily, The best source for space news on the web.. Accessed at: http://www.spacedaily.com/.