China
China to release 1st moon picture
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Source: CCTV.com | 11-26-2007 09:32
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the Moon |
Beijing Aerospace Control Center says China's first lunar orbiter, Chang'e-One, is working properly.
Experts on the ground say the hi-tech camera on board is functioning well and they are processing the data sent back from the probe. The first image is expected Monday.
This is the back-up of the stereo camera aboard Chang'e-One.
Instead of a complete picture, it takes a line every 84 seconds.
Lines constitute a surface as the orbiter travels at high velocity.
The camera requires manual exposure, as light reflected by the lunar surface changes at times.
It's weak near the polar regions and strong at the equator.
When the ground station receives data showing the lunar surface is dim, staff will send instructions to prolong the exposure, and vice versa.
Despite having only one lens, the camera employs three eyes for taking pictures.
Optical Imaging Designer Yang Jianfeng said, "One can be seen from the profile, one from the top and another one from the back. After processing, we can get a three-dimensional moon picture."
Experts note that to achieve its scientific exploration goal, Chang'e-One is imaging the whole moon instead of its partial features.
Editor:Zhang Ning
