China launches 2nd unmanned lunar probe

Beijing: Chinese state television has aired footage showing the launch of the country's second unmanned lunar probe.

The Chang'e (chahng-uh) II probe was shot into space Friday evening from its launch site in southwestern China.

State media has said the Chang'e II will circle 62 miles (100 kilometres) above the moon before moving into an elliptical orbit just 9 miles (15 kilometers) above its surface.

The purpose of the six-month mission is to test technology and provide high-resolution photographs in preparation for an unmanned moon landing in 2012. China aims to carry out a manned lunar mission in 2017.

China launched its first manned flight in 2003, joining Russia and the United States as the only countries to put humans into orbit.