北京周报 英文版(2007年第45期)

Cover Story The moon, sister sphere to the Earth, has long help the attention of mankind as a source of mystery, inspiration and wonder. Its sway has been chronicled in myth, literature and song. In the final week of October, China embarked on its first attempt to better scientifically understand the moon and its relationship to the Earth by launching the lunar orbiter Chang'e-1. Though named after a deity that Chinese fairy tales say lived in the moon, this new venture to study our closest celestial neighbor is based largely on the reality of technology and scientific anvancement. As the most recent phase in China's decades old aerospace program, the launch showcases both the country's place on the world stage and its technological and scienfitic advancements-not only for the benefit of its own people, but for all of mankind.