China celebrated on Monday the success of its second lunar probe, Chang'e-2, highlighting the significance of the project in boosting the country's technological development.
In a celebration rally in Beijing, President Hu Jintao hailed the project as another achievement in China's lunar exploration program and a result of its drive to build an innovation-oriented nation.
The lunar probe project was a strategic decision based on China's goal of building an innovation-driven nation and achieving rapid economic development, said Hu.
Through the success of Chang'e-2, China had not only made breakthroughs in a series of core and key technologies, but also promoted the development of the basic sciences and applied technologies, said Hu.
The project had also brought experience of managing major science and technology projects, and cultivated high-quality science, technological and managerial staff, said Hu.
Hu praised the contributions of all the project staff, their great sense of responsibility, solidarity, earnest efforts, and devotion.
The project provided important inspiration and experience for realizing rapid economic development during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2011-2015), said Hu.
Members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Political Bureau Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang also attended the meeting.
Wu Bangguo, also Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presided over the meeting.
Chang'e-2 was launched on Oct. 1 and entered its long-term lunar orbit on Nov. 3. It has begun to capture images of the moon's Sinus Iridum, or Bay of Rainbows. (Xinhua)
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