Though details are scant, China has its eyes on the moon. The country wants to run manned space flights by the turn of the century, and would like to land an explorer on the moon, according to an Associated Press report.
The news comes from the state-run Xinhua News Agency, quoting Ma Xingrui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Space Technology.
"China is striving to make breakthroughs in manned space flight technology at the end of this century or the beginning of the next century," Xingrui said during an international meeting of space scientists in Beijing. China "will launch a small lunar explorer when possible."
Meanwhile, Loral Space & Communications signed an agreement with China on Monday to have China provide launching services for its satellites. The country will conduct five launches for Loral between now and 2002, using its "Long March 3B" rocket.
Reuters contributed to this report.
