A new mission to the Moon was launched today by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA). Chang’e-1 blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan atop a Long March 3A rocket. Chang’e-1 represents the first step in the Chinese ambition to land robotic explorers on the Moon before 2020. ESA is collaborating with the Chinese on this mission by providing spacecraft and ground operations support services to CNSA.
Launch photos @ scitech.people.com.cn

ESA: Chang’e-1 – new mission to Moon lifts off