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Moon surface map unveiled

(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-11-13 17:17

Chinese scientists revealed the country's first full map of the moon's surface on Wednesday, more than a year after the launch of its first lunar probe, Chang'e I.

The picture was created from data that had been sent from the lunar probe and was processed by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, which is in charge of the country's moon program.

This launch was the first step in China's three-stage moon mission.

Up next is the launch of a moon rover around 2012 with an eventual manned oon landing following thereafter.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao unveiled the first moon image that was taken a month after the probe was launched and since then many lunar pictures have been collected.