LIVE: Chang'e-3 lunar probe and rover, CZ-3B - Xichang - December 1, 2013

[russianhalo117]

A CNSA press conference will be held early tomorrow - maybe by then we will get a launch time. 

Do we have any idea of the date? Even a rough estimate? Is there a lunar launch window, for instance?

if you mean launch date this is what you are looking for:
December 1 2013 (~1700UTC) - CZ-3B/GIII (Y23) - XSLC, LC2 - Chang'e-3 (Moon lander/rover)

[beidou]

A CNSA press conference will be held early tomorrow - maybe by then we will get a launch time. 

Do we have any idea of the date? Even a rough estimate? Is there a lunar launch window, for instance?

I think the news conferenceon Tuesday will answer many questions regarding the launch date, time and proceedures, etc. So stay tuned.

[elakdawalla]

Here is, I think, a transcript of the briefing: http://news.ifeng.com/mainland/special/changesanhao/content-3/detail_2013_11/26/31566769_0.shtml

And this appears to be a Q and A:
http://202.106.152.92:8080/asop/login.asop

The name of the rover is Yutu ("Jade Rabbit").

[Galactic Penguin SST]

...and they have entirely skipped the mission timeline! So it seems that the launch date (with 5 days to go) is still under tight wraps (haven't seen any newspapers mentioning it anywhere).... 

[savuporo]

Quoting again the previously given 13th Dec date...

Actually, after scanning recent articles i found this :
http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2013/10/news-analysis.cfm

China is often criticised for not being specific about mission dates, but this is probably because the nation’s space programme is led more by engineering conservatism than media-savvy politicking. The Western alternative of announcing dates, and then delays or cancellations, is no better. That said, Xu Dazhe, the chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, gave the launch date of Chang’e 3 as 13 December, arguably another example of increasing transparency

[chewi]

The name of the rover is Yutu ("Jade Rabbit").

Also one of the translations – "Jasper Hare" 

[limen4]

On Nov 19 a Chinese friend with good contcts to Xian Satellite Controll Center gave me the followong timeline:
launch 2013-12-2 1:00 - 1:30,
join moon orbit at 2013-12-6 10:30,
landing on moon 2013-12-16.
(All dates local time)

[Galactic Penguin SST]

On Nov 19 a Chinese friend with good contcts to Xian Satellite Controll Center gave me the followong timeline:
launch 2013-12-2 1:00 - 1:30,
join moon orbit at 2013-12-6 10:30,
landing on moon 2013-12-16.
(All dates local time)

OMG Thank you very much!  The lunar landing should happen early at night over China to facilitate longer communication windows - in fact a 2008 postgraduate paper examining the landing windows in Dec. 2013 gives the center of the landing window on Dec. 16 as 12:36 UTC.

[plutogno]

the moon rises at 8.13 UTC (16.13 local time) in Shanghai, where one of the Chinese deep space network stations is located. give them time for some tracking and for the descent and you get a landing time around 12 UTC.
the moon then sets around 00 UTC on the 17th (8 am local time) in Kashgar, where the westernmost station in located, so the probe has to be on the surface by then.

[Blackstar]

Here's a Google Translate version of the transcript link posted above. I just skimmed it and it looks like a decent translation (by which I mean that I can understand it--I don't know the original language at all):





OTC Explanation: The release of public information center director Li Duo SASTIND chaired SASTIND spokesman Wu Zhijian , deputy commander of lunar exploration Lee are attending the conference.

Li Duo : Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen , Hello everybody , SASTIND lunar exploration phase Chang E III task first press conference now . First, let me tell you about the guests attending today's press conference , Defense Science and Industry Bureau spokesman Mr. Wu Zhijian , deputy commander of the lunar exploration project Mr. Li Benzheng . I am a public information center director Li Duo SASTIND welcome everyone soon. Here we have invited Mr. Wu Zhijian to introduce the progress of Chang E III lunar exploration project .

Wu Zhijian : Ladies and gentlemen , the news media, friends, good morning . Shoulder " sangrakwol " task of Chang E on the 3rd of the development and testing has been completed , launch vehicles and detectors have been transferred to the Xichang Satellite Launch Center site . If the weather and other conditions are met, will choose the launch in early December this year . Here , I report and Chang E III lunar exploration mission of the situation to everyone .

First, the situation of China's lunar exploration program . Lunar exploration project is a major national science and technology projects . Implementation of lunar exploration projects, is a major decision , the State Council , the Central Military Commission and the future development of the global strategy aimed to make , after following the artificial earth satellites, manned space flight , another major space activities in the peaceful exploration , development and utilization of space . Of China's lunar exploration program planned for " around, down , back to" three . Lunar exploration mission is to achieve a surround lunar exploration . Chang E One satellite on October 24, 2007 launch, in-orbit effective detection of 16 months , in March 2009 successfully controlled collision month, the realization of China 's independently developed satellite into lunar orbit and get full month figure . Two lunar exploration mission is to achieve a soft landing of the lunar surface and automatic inspection surveys, including Chang E II, III , fourth three times the task . Pilot Star Chang-e II on October 1, 2010 launch , access to the world's first full month increase 7 m resolution map , as well as Chang E on the 3rd mission to verify some of the key technologies , and the pre-selected areas of focus detection sangrakwol . To achieve the stated goal of the project after the completion of scientific and exploration missions , carried out around the Sun-Earth Lagrange 2:00 probe and seven million kilometers from Earth at the realization of Tutadisi rendezvous asteroid flyby probe .

Currently, Chang E II satellite escape from the Earth has exceeded 60 million kilometers , being farther toward deep space . Chang E fourth task is Chang E III backup. Three lunar exploration mission is unmanned sample return .

Second, the case has been made lunar exploration scientific results . By Chang E One, Chang-e II twice task of lunar exploration program has achieved fruitful scientific results. Chang-e task of getting the 1st full moon 120 -meter resolution imagery, three-dimensional lunar topographic maps and other achievements, and get a lot of raw scientific data. Conduct scientific research in order to fully utilize these data to promote scientific exploration of the moon , established the " Lunar Exploration Science Applications Committee " to mobilize the whole society , including Hong Kong and Macao , including scientific research , the preparation of a geological map of the first piece of the Moon Rainbow Bay area and structural outline map, for the first time won the day and night of the full moon microwave image , proposed lunar magma ocean crystallization age of 39.2 billion years , and the East China Sea Basin tilt moon crash causes new ideas . These results further enrich the human perception of the moon. Chang E II mission moon won seven meters resolution three-dimensional images , produced a better than 1.5 -meter resolution image map Rainbow Bay area , the confrontation in Chenghai District, discovered the existence of the lunar surface residual magnetism caused by micro- magnetosphere further measuring the lunar surface chemical elements , the initial uranium , potassium, thorium , magnesium, aluminum , silicon, calcium and analyzed in-depth study of the full moon brightness temperature distribution and temperature characteristics of lunar soil , completed the four scientific objectives . In expanding mission, completed the day to probe the space environment near Lagrange 2:00 , the first in the world to achieve Tutadisi asteroid flyby rendezvous detection.

Third, Chang E III task progress . Chang E III lunar exploration mission as two of the main tasks is to "around , down, back to the " three-step key step , the three projects will achieve the goals and tasks to complete three types of scientific exploration . Three engineering goals : first , to break lunar soft landing , lunar exploration, deep space communications and remote monitoring and control operations, deep space exploration launch vehicle and other key technologies to enhance the level of space technology ; Second , the development of lunar soft landing detectors and rover , build deep space ground station , get including launch vehicles, lunar probe , launch , deep space monitoring stations , ground application of functional modules , with the basic ability to detect soft landing of the lunar surface ; three is to establish a basic system of lunar exploration aerospace engineering , a scientific and effective method for major engineering project implementation . Three types of scientific exploration tasks: First , lunar topography and geological surveys ; Second, the composition of the lunar surface material and available resources survey ; Third Earth plasma layer detection based optical astronomical observations and month .

Lunar exploration major special leading group is to explore organizational leadership and decision-making bodies month project by the National Defense Science and Industry Bureau, the Development and Reform Commission , Ministry of Science , Ministry of Finance , Ministry of Education , the General Armament Department , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Chinese Academy of Engineering , China Aerospace Science and Technology Group Company and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and other units, SASTIND as head of the unit . The establishment of a lunar exploration administrative and technical two command line, appointed commander and the chief architect of the project , the establishment of lunar exploration and aerospace engineering center.

In lunar exploration project leading group of major projects , the task of implementing organizational Chang E III system , the overall project and detectors, rocket , launch , and control communications, ground application system composed of five . The overall project includes a system demonstration project commander , the chief architect of the system and the lunar and Aerospace Engineering Center , in charge of the project, the overall design and organization and implementation. Detector system by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is responsible , the main task is to develop Chang E III lunar probe . Chang-e III probe by the lander and Patroller two composed . After landing the lunar surface , the measurement and control system and ground application system support, the probe carrying a payload to carry out scientific exploration . Launch vehicle systems by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is responsible , the main task is to develop an improved Long March III B carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center , the Chang-e III probe launch directly to the height of 200 km perigee , about 380,000 km apogee height the earth-moon transfer orbit. The main task is responsible for the launch rocket system , the detector tests at the launch site and launch , the Xichang Satellite Launch Center through adaptive transformation, with an improved Long March III B rocket test launch capability . The main task is to launch vehicle monitoring systems in all phases of flight and sensor monitoring session at the lunar surface , measure and determine the orbit , lunar surface patrol device targeting and landing , and months later sangrakwol control detector. Responsible for ground application system by the Chinese Academy of Sciences , the main task is to develop the scientific exploration program , payload operation management , detection data reception, processing and management, applied research and scientific organizations .

Chang E III mission critical technology needs to overcome many technical difficulties, high implementation risk . In the project implementation process, the difficulties faced by the seven , including the timely launch ground test validation, multiple windows, narrow width , lunar soft landing , the two separated , between January to remote operation, the survival of the lunar surface , measurement and control communications. More than five years , under the leadership of the project leadership team , works two total depth line, well-organized , strong coordination, strictly closely with five systems , work together , set of intellectual and technological research and development unit , worked hard , the whole system in accordance with the "guarantee quality, security progress , safety, security success " of the general requirements , to promote the work . Exploration of outer space is the relentless pursuit of mankind . The Chinese government regards the development of the space industry as an important part of the country's overall development strategy , and always adhere to the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes . General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that " the development of the aerospace industry , building aerospace power, aerospace is our relentless pursuit of the dream ." Shoulder " sangrakwol " mission will help China Chang E III lunar dream by dream , aerospace dream. We firmly believe that , under the correct leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council , the Central Military Commission , and all those involved in research and participating personnel firm belief, remember our mission , adhere to the " strict, careful , detailed, real " style , will be able to complete a soft landing for China's first celestial bodies reconnaissance and patrol mission !

Li Duo : Thank spokesman , Mr. Li Benzheng below please sign name announced results .

Lee are : Distinguished guests , friends from the media , good morning . For the first name of a lunar rover , can fully reflect the will of the Chinese people across the country and even the world , rich era , nationality , mass characteristics, we started on September 25 , organized a global Zhengminghuodong . After the works submitted , the initial evaluation finalists , online voting , final assessment , reporting approved five stages , China 's first lunar rover vehicle name has been generated. I now announce the name of Chang E III lunar rover is: rabbit numbers.

Here , I briefly to tell you about the circumstances of the Zhengminghuodong . Since September 25 press conference held Zhengminghuodong began to levy Oct. 25 deadline to submit the name , the name of the work levy Tencent received 146,898 ; Xinhua Zheng received the name works 46189 . Two sites together, received a total of 193,087 work levy name , remove duplicate names outside of the receipt of the name 53091 . These names are full of deep meaning of national culture ; full of Chinese aerospace rich emotion ; full of bright hope for global Chinese . Two sites concerned Zhengminghuodong , browse the web , send microblogging and comments , totaling approximately more than 2580 million.

Not only the general public to submit names levy works via the web , there are a lot of people through letters , telephone, fax and Email , etc., to actively contribute their wisdom rover Zhengminghuodong . Them , there are students in the school , there are retired people , workers , farmers and scientists and has PLA officers and men , as well as expatriate Chinese . We feel that this Zhengminghuodong deepened our understanding of the masses of lunar exploration , promotion of the implementation of the significance of China 's lunar exploration program , reflecting the people across the country and overseas compatriots concern for national scientific and technological progress , reflected their homeland increasingly powerful heartfelt pride , but also stimulate their strong patriotic enthusiasm.

Collection of 53,091 names , we organized a jury of experts from the scientific and technological and cultural experts , finalists were carried out the initial evaluation , online voting and final assessment. By finalists assessment, 10 finalists were selected names, Xinhua submitted comments online voting . 10 days received a total of 3,445,248 valid votes , including rabbit number, 649,956 , the vote first .

And after final evaluation, the results of the weighted votes of the judges and the public vote is calculated , and finally by the lunar exploration project leading group of major projects approved by China's first lunar rover named a "rabbit numbers ." " Rabbit number" embodies the traditional culture of the Chinese nation, but also reflects the purpose of peaceful use of space . According to legend, when the " Chang E " embrace Ben rabbit , rabbit goodness, purity, image and agile structure of the lunar rover mission both the shape and likeness . Willing "rabbit No. " rover early stroll Rainbow Bay . Thank you !

[beidou]

On Nov 19 a Chinese friend with good contcts to Xian Satellite Controll Center gave me the followong timeline:
launch 2013-12-2 1:00 - 1:30,
join moon orbit at 2013-12-6 10:30,
landing on moon 2013-12-16.
(All dates local time)

You have a good powerful friend

[input~2]

A CCTV report on Chang'e-3 and some predecessors on the moon..
http://sn.ifeng.com/zixun/shipin/detail_2013_11/26/1510168_0.shtml

[input~2]

A1915/13 -  A TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA ESTABLISHED BOUNDED BY N260808E1142921-N261444E1140013- N255857E1135553-N255223E1142456 BACK TO START. VERTICAL LIMITS: GND-UNL. ALL ACFT ARE PROHIBITED TO FLY INTO THE AREA. GND - UNL, 01 DEC 17:23 2013 UNTIL 01 DEC 17:50 2013. CREATED: 27 NOV 03:27 2013

]A1914/13 -  A TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA ESTABLISHED BOUNDED BY N272159E1083650-N273125E1074313- N271528E1073946-N270603E1083315 BACK TO START.VERTICAL LIMITS: GND-UNL. ALL ACFT ARE PROHIBITED TO FLY INTO THE AREA. GND - UNL, 01 DEC 17:21 2013 UNTIL 01 DEC 17:40 2013. CREATED: 27 NOV 03:22 2013

Lift off expected around 1725UTC
 

[input~2]

[Blackstar]

This is neat.

[Blackstar]

Some more.

[baldusi]

This is neat.

It does put it into perspective. It was speculated for an ascent stage for a sample return. But how different would that be from ascending with crew? Even if they developed a different system, it could have a lot of "legacy" and lessons learned. Now I'm very seriously thinking that the Chinese pretend to land crew on the Moon by 2025/30.

[NovaSilisko]

pretend to land crew on the Moon by 2025/30.

I assume you mean "intend", and not that the Chinese will try to fake a lunar landing...

[baldusi]

pretend to land crew on the Moon by 2025/30.

I assume you mean "intend", and not that the Chinese will try to fake a lunar landing...

Yes, sure. Transliteration from Spanish. I meant intend.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Less than 60 hours to liftoff!