China's space program experts on Tuesday outlined factors that
could delay the launch of the country's first lunar orbiter, which
could be as early as Wednesday.
The Long March 3A carrier rocket, which had completed 14
consecutive successful launches, was susceptible to three main
factors that could put the launch back: human error at the launch
site; unfavorable weather; and mechanical faults.
Experts said the launch would not be feasible in thunderstorms,
torrential rain or strong gales.
Though the rocket had undergone many pre-launch tests, it was
possible that its construction materials and components could be
exposed to problems, said Jin Zhiqiang, deputy commander-in-chief
of the rocket system.
Harsh weather could short-circuit electronic components, and
severe cold could freeze tubes and valves, which would have to be
unfrozen before the rocket could take off.
The moon orbiter's launch could be as early as 6:00 p.m. on
October 24 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest
China's Sichuan Province.
"The satellite will be launched between October 24 and 26 and
our first choice is around 6:00 p.m. on October 24," a spokesman
for the China National Space Administration said Monday.
The lunar probe is expected to enter earth-moon transfer orbit
on October 31 and arrive in the moon's orbit on November 5.
The satellite is expected to relay its first picture of the moon
in late November and continue scientific surveying for a year.
The orbiter will carry out a series of projects, including
acquiring three-dimensional images and analyzing the distribution
of elements on the moon's surface.
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(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2007)