# Chang'e 2

> Chinese Moon orbiter

**Wikidata**: [Q831345](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q831345)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang'e_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chang-e-2

## Summary  
Chang'e 2 is a Chinese lunar orbiter launched in 2010 as part of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program. It succeeded Chang'e 1 and preceded Chang'e 3, serving as a key mission to map the Moon's surface and test technologies for future lunar exploration. The spacecraft later extended its mission to the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: October 1, 2010, aboard a Long March 3C rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.  
- **Mass**: 2,480 kg at takeoff.  
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration (CNSA).  
- **Mission Type**: Lunar orbiter, later extended to Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point (August 25, 2011 – April 1, 2012).  
- **Predecessor**: Chang'e 1 (2007).  
- **Successor**: Chang'e 3 (2013).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-050A.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 37174.  
- **Part of**: Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Chang'e 2?  
A: Chang'e 2 aimed to map the Moon's surface with higher resolution than Chang'e 1 and test technologies for future missions, including soft landings.  

### Q: Did Chang'e 2 land on the Moon?  
A: No, Chang'e 2 was an orbiter; it did not land but instead conducted observations from lunar orbit before moving to the Sun-Earth L2 point.  

### Q: How long did Chang'e 2 operate?  
A: The primary lunar mission lasted until 2011, after which it was redirected to the L2 Lagrange point, where it operated until April 2012.  

## Why It Matters  
Chang'e 2 marked a significant advancement in China's lunar exploration program, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space technology. By achieving higher-resolution imaging of the Moon, it provided critical data for future missions, including Chang'e 3's historic soft landing. The extension of its mission to the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point showcased China's ability to conduct complex deep-space operations, paving the way for subsequent interplanetary missions. Chang'e 2's success reinforced China's position as a major player in space exploration and contributed to global lunar science.  

## Notable For  
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: Improved upon Chang'e 1's mapping capabilities with more detailed lunar surface data.  
- **Lagrange Point Mission**: One of the first Chinese spacecraft to operate at the Sun-Earth L2 point.  
- **Technological Testing**: Validated key technologies for future lunar and deep-space missions.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched on October 1, 2010, as part of China's second lunar exploration mission.  
- Operated by CNSA under the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 2,480 kg (takeoff weight).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3C rocket.  
- **Orbit**: Initially lunar orbit, later transferred to Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point.  

### Mission Phases  
1. **Lunar Orbiter Phase**: Conducted high-resolution imaging of the Moon's surface.  
2. **L2 Lagrange Point Phase**: Extended mission from August 2011 to April 2012 for deep-space experiments.  

### Legacy  
- Paved the way for Chang'e 3, China's first lunar lander and rover mission.  
- Demonstrated China's capability to conduct multi-phase deep-space missions.  

## Schema Markup  
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Chang'e 2",
  "description": "Chinese lunar orbiter launched in 2010 as part of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.",
  "sameAs": [
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    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang%27e_2"
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  "additionalType": "lunar orbiter"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013