"The launch of the lunar orbiter is an impressive and important event for the Chinese people. The citizens of China should rightfully be proud of their country's advances in science and technology for the good of mankind."

A friend serving the US Army who requested anonymity

"What exciting news. It sets a sound foundation for future research and development for lunar probes and other planets as well."

Kou Wen

Curator of Beijing Planetarium

"I am so excited to hear the news. As a returned overseas scholar from the United Kingdom, I have never been so proud to be Chinese as I am now.

The gap between China and the West in technological development and practice is disappearing. It is great to see that China is participating in such progress."

Jin Yuxian

Principal, Yantai CIE International Business College

"We Chinese students held a small party tonight to celebrate the successful launch of the circumlunar satellite. We're so happy that even in Japan, a country advanced in science, we can proudly talk with the Japanese people about the achievements that our own country has made in space exploration.

The successful launch also shows that China not only boasts rapid economic growth but also fastens its pace to narrow the gap with countries advanced in scientific research."

Huang Jian

A Chinese doctorate student at the University of Fukui in Japan

"The satellite uses self-developed technology and it reflects the wisdom of our Chinese people. I think it is only the beginning of our country's space exploration."

Zhou Manjun

A manager with the Shanghai Fareast Securities Company

(China Daily 10/25/2007 page7)