Spacecraft on way to moon orbit

China launched an experimental spacecraft at 2 am on Friday that will fly around the moon and back to Earth to test a key technology for its lunar program.

The spacecraft began its eight-day mission as it was launched atop a Long March 3C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

It has entered the expected Earth orbit, from which it will transfer to a moon orbit, the China National Space Administration said. After flying around the moon, the spacecraft is to set down in the central area of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.