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BEIJING - China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 landed on the moon on Saturday night, according to sources in charge of the mission. The entire process of soft-landing lasted 12 minutes and was performed by the probe itself, said the sources on Saturday, adding that the Chang'e-3 mission has so far proceeded as planned.

" U4 F. e5 Y7 b/ N% m6 ?% i( WThe probe started decelerating from 15 km above the lunar surface and its relative speed was reduced from 1.7 km/s to nil. It stayed suspended at 100 meters above the moon to assess the landing area to avoid obstacles and locate the final landing spot.
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$ i: j1 s" R. B6 u# g- GThis marked the first time that China has sent a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body.
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Chang'e-3 landed in Sinus Iridum, or the Bay of Rainbows, a lunar area that remains unstudied and should enable smooth communication and ample sunshine with its level terrain.
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- w$ }7 T2 F6 [Following the successful landing, moon rover "Yutu" will leave the lander for mobile exploration while the lander will conduct surveying from its fixed position.
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China launched the Chang'e-3 lunar probe with the country's first moon rover onboard on December 2, marking a significant step toward deep space exploration.

, w- \( c, q9 XFrom:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/chi ... ontent_17174832.htm