Preparations are almost complete for the launch of the country's first lunar orbiter, according to a spokesman for the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
The rocket is at the launch pad and all staff are in position at the site for the launch either today or the next two days.
The satellite will be launched between today and Friday, with 6 pm today being the preferred choice, a spokesman for the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Monday.
Meteorologists have forecast suitable weather over the next few days.
The satellite, which was shipped to the launch center two months ago, and the carrier Long March 3-A, set in place a month ago, have undergone all pre-launch tests, the launch center said.
Two hours before the launch, residents living within 2.5 km of the launch center and under the trajectory of the carrier will be evacuated, it said, adding that the number will be several thousand.
The circumlunar satellite, named Chang'e I after a legendary Chinese fairy who is said to have flown to the moon, is expected to enter the Earth-moon transfer orbit on October 31 and arrive in the moon's orbit on November 5.
The satellite will relay the first pictures of the moon in late November and will then continue scientific exploration for a year.
As the countdown begins for the launch, the attention of the whole country has turned to this small town in Southwest China.
Xichang, dubbed "Moon City", is packed with journalists and tourists from every corner of the country, all attracted by the rare chance to watch the blastoff.
The local television station has reported that at least 1,000 journalists have flocked to the town.
"Journalists can be seen everywhere, carrying video cameras or long lens. You can't miss them," said a local TV reporter.
A villager who lives near the launch center said she has been interviewed several times in the past few days, which she described as "a bit of a bother".
"But we've got used to it," she added.
So have hotels, taxi drivers and travel agencies, all benefiting from the big event, regarded as the third milestone in China's space achievements after manned flights in 2003 and 2005.
"It is difficult to find a vehicle for rent. The town is more crowded than during the National Day holiday when tourist flows peak," said a local driver.
Thanks to the Internet, Jinying Travel Service, a small travel agency, is now famous nationwide because it forecast the launch date.
Last month, when the national media were in the dark about the blastoff date, the agency said it would begin selling tickets for watching the launch in late October. The news spread online overnight.
Though the prices are high, up to 1,000 yuan ($133), with tourists from outside footing travel costs, many have called to book a ticket.
The manager of the agency, who identified herself as Wang, said the oldest tourist is a professor aged over 90 from Beijing, and the youngest less than three years old.
"We have sold tickets for watching satellite launches, but never have so many people called. After all, it is the first time that we were allowed to sell tickets for viewing such a big project," she said.
She refused to reveal how many tickets have been sold, but earlier reports cited an agency source as saying they were allowed to sell a maximum of 2,000 tickets for spots on two viewing platforms 4 km from the launch pad.
Question:
1.When will the satellite be launched ?
2.What is the name given to people who forecast the weather?
3.How many people will be evacuated from the launch area?
4.How many journalists have flocked to the town?
Answers:
1.Between today and Friday.
2. Meteorologists.
3. Several thousand.
4. At least 1,000.
（英語點津 Celene 編輯）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has been published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
