China to Launch Moon Satellite and Manned Space Flight by 2007

China will launch its first lunar satellite in two years' time, the Beijing Morning Post has reported. China plans to launch its second manned space flight next year and a fly-by lunar satellite by 2007. A top Chinese space official said China is willing to cooperate with the United States and Japan in space programs on exploration and finding resources.

The first Chinese lunar orbiter will be called `Chang'e-I.', after a Chinese fairy who flies to the moon.

China in October became the third country to successfully complete a manned space mission. Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei landed safely on earth on Oct. 16 aboard the Shenzhou-5 after orbiting the Earth 14 times onthe 21 hour mission, making China the third country after Russia and the United States able to put people in space.