China to Support Future Space Missions with Monitoring Stations

Beijing, Jan. 8. -China will support the control of its space missions with two deep space monitoring stations, scheduled for being completed in 2012 and 2016. The stations, one in the northwestern region of Kashgar and the other in the northeastern region of Jiamusi, will be completed in 2012 and equipped with large-caliber antennas

Xinhua News Agency quoted Qian Weiping, chief designer of the Chang'e 2 mission's tracking and control system, as saying that a monitoring station in South America will be created in 2016 to assist in the return of lunar orbiters to Earth.

The Lunar Exploration Program of the National Space Administration will conclude its crewed missions between 2020 and 2030. (Prensa Latina)