China to launch first Mars probe in October 2009

Researchers are "pressing ahead" with the project for a synchronized launching with a Russian probe, said Chen Changya, a researcher with the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering, at a space technology exhibition.

He said the home-developed Chinese probe is scheduled for completion by June 2009.

The probe, 75 centimeters long, 75 centimeters wide, 60 centimeters high and weighing 110 kilograms, is designed to be able to serve a two-year mission, according to Chen. Its model is on display at the exhibition.

The Chinese probe, with Russia's Phobos-Grunt, will be launched by a Russian carrier rocket, Chen said.

They are expected to land on Mars in 2010 after 10 month's flight.