China's first lunar orbiter, Chang'e I, is not likely to crash
into the moon at the end of its year-long voyage, as some observers
have suggested it might.
An official said on Friday that scientists had come up with
several proposals on how to dispose of the lunar satellite at the
end of its mission, and two of them are under consideration.
"One is to gradually lower the satellite's orbit from the
current 200 km to 100 km, and then 50 km, so we can observe the
moon more closely," Hao Xifan, deputy director of the Lunar
Exploration Center of the Commission of Science Technology and
Industry for National Defense, said at a lecture in Beijing.
The other is to expand the orbit to a level that would enable
Chang'e I to observe the whole solar system, he said.
It would be impossible for Chang'e I to fly back to Earth
because it does not have enough fuel, he said.
Whatever option scientists choose will depend on the condition
of the satellite, he said.
Earlier reports said scientists hoped precise maneuvering might
have saved 200 kg of fuel during the satellite's 380,000-km journey
to its current orbit, possibly prolonging its lifespan.
(China Daily December 15, 2007)