Oct. 6, 2010: Chang-e 2 arrives at the Moon

Today in the history of astronomy, China’s Moon-mapping spacecraft begins its orbit. | Published: October 6, 2026 A model of the Chang'e 2 spacecraft is displayed at the Bejing Air & Space Museum. Credit: Shujianyang/CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons On Oct. 6, 2010, only five days after launching, the Chang-e 2 spacecraft arrived at the Moon and initiated a rocket burn, slipping into its lunar orbit. Part of China’s Lunar Exploration Program, Chang’e 2 carried an improved camera for 3D mapping, laser altimeter, X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers, microwave radiometer, high-energy particle detector, and solar wind detectors. In addition to performing chemical analysis of the lunar surface, the mission’s goals included obtaining mapping and images in preparation for the Chang’e 3 Moon landing. In November 2010, the China National Space Administration unveiled photos from the Chang’e 2 mission, announcing its success in a ceremony with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Elisa Neckar is senior production editor of Astronomy magazine, and the editor of the Today in the History of Astronomy feature on Astronomy.com.