“Chinese space officials are ready to flip Chang’e-1’s scientific instrument switch to the on position. The spacecraft has undergone a series of shakeouts since swinging into polar circular orbit around the Moon on November 7.

On Monday, the probe begins its year-long campaign of studying the Moon with a suite of devices, including a camera that is expected to relay its first image of the lunar landscape late this month.

Experts at the China National Space Administration (CNSA) feel that there’s enough fuel aboard Chang’e-1 that an extended mission — beyond the year of active duty — is likely….” Full Slice

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