[2] Data gathered by Chang'e 1 was used to create an accurate and high resolution 3-D map of the lunar surface.

[12][13][14] The program aims to facilitate a crewed lunar landing in the 2030s and to possibly build an outpost near the south pole.

Design, manufacture, general assembly, test and ground experiments of the lunar orbiter were finished before December 2006.

[citation needed] Originally scheduled for April 2007, the launch was postponed until October as this was "a better time for sending a satellite into the Moon's orbit".

[citation needed] The probe was remotely controlled from stations at Qingdao and Kashgar, as the first use of the Chinese Deep Space Network.

According to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (China), this was a planned and controlled impact.