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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.

4 k+ p' `, m! @% p6 t% B! JThe 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.

2 ~8 y0 h0 `' h, k  Z: F$ gThis marked the first time that China has sent a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body.

1 j3 S5 ]) {8 c& }$ Y  CChang'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.

Following the successful landing, moon rover "Yutu" will leave the lander for mobile exploration while the lander will conduct surveying from its fixed position.

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.

; X' t( ?" D7 V! @; c& p0 k! JFrom:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/chi ... ontent_17174832.htm