Reporters gather at Xichang Satellite Launch Center to cover the launch of Chang'e II satellite, in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Tuesday, Sep.28, 2010. [Chinanews.com]

China plans to launch its second lunar probe, the Chang'e II satellite, at Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 6:59:57 PM on Friday, a spokesman of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) said on Wednesday.

According to China Central Television and the news portal Chinanews.com, the unnamed spokesman told the media the Chang'e II satellite and its carrier, CZ-3C rocket, are ready to blast off on October 1. In the case of bad weather, the launch will be delayed until October 2 or October 3.

Fueling of the rocket will begin on Sept. 30.

The lunar probe will test key technology for Chang'e III, collect data for future landings of Chang'e III and Chang'e IV, and provide high-resolution photographs of the landing area.

Chang'e II is expected to take about 112 hours, or nearly five days, to arrive at its lunar orbit.

The country plans to launch its third unmanned probe to the moon, Chang'e III, in 2013.

The satellite, Chang'e II, was produced as an alternative for Chang'e I in 2007.

After the Chang'e I landed successfully on the moon in 2007, Chang'e II became the predecessor, with improved technologies, for Chang'e III.

(CRIENGLISH.com September 30, 2010)