Lunar probe

CHINA launched an unmanned lunar probe yesterday, the latest milestone for an ambitious space programme that aims to put a man on the moon later this decade.

The Chang’e II was shot into space aboard a Long March 3C rocket from the launch site in China’s Sichuan province, according to footage aired by state broadcaster China Central Television.

The probe plans to test technology for an unmanned moon landing in 2012, with a possible manned lunar mission in 2017.