Just ahead of the launch of China's second lunar probe, the Chang'e 2, the Beijing Aerospace Control Center has started the last joint exercise for its tracking and control system.

The operation began 50 hours before the Chang'e 2 launch window was set to open. It simulates the entire tracking and control process, including the moon probe's entry into orbit. The satellite's tracking telemetry station is also part of the exercise.

Unlike China's first lunar mission, Chang'e 1, the probe will be carried by the rocket directly into Earth-Moon Transfer Orbit this time. The process will use less fuel, but also requires better control of Chang'e 2, in case any deviations occur as it goes into orbit.

Zhu Mincai, Director, Beijing Aerospace Control Center, said, "The exercise has been conducted to test and control the angle of the satellite, through controlling the position of the satellite, as the Chang'e 2 should arrive at a designed height of 150 kilometers in space."

Ma Yongping, Vice Director Beijing Aerospace Control Center, said, "The exercise symbolizes that China's monitoring telecommunication system, as well as all the other equipment, qualifies to operate the satellite launch."

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