Lunar satellite launch set for 2007

China said it will launch its first lunar satellite in 2007 as a part of its lunar exploration project. The satellite is planned to orbit the moon and take three-dimensional images of the moon's surface. It will measure the density of lunar soil and analyze the soil's component elements. Officials said the satellite will cost a total of RMB 1.4 billion (US$169 million). It will be based on the Dongfanghong III satellite and will be launched aboard a Long March 3-A rocket.