China’s Chang’e-1 lunar probe may survey the Moon for longer than its designed one-year operational life thanks to unexpectedly precise navigation that has saved an estimated 200 kg. (441 lb.) of fuel. Following Chang’e-1’s so-far successful mission, the Chinese space agency plans to let private companies as well as universities and research institutes work on the next lunar project, Chang’e-2. “With the expansion of China’s space exploration, we’d like to encourage private enterprise to join space technology development,” a spokesman says.

BEIJING - China's Chang'e-1 lunar probe accurately entered its working polar orbit around the moon Nov. 7, marking the end of its journey and the achievement of the challenging space navigation goals of the project. Now orbiting the moon at 127 minute intervals and 200 kilometers (120 miles) altitude, Chang'e-1 will go ahead with at least a year of lunar observations that will be prolonged by 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of fuel it saved thanks to unexpectedly precise navigation during its journey from Earth.

Hong Kong Express Airways will maintain its current growth rate throughout 2008 as it adds Southeast Asian connections to draw more traffic to its main business in the difficult Chinese secondary-city market. The carrier has begun its ninth scheduled service, a twice weekly flight from Hong Kong to the Burmese capital, Yangon (Rangoon), and will add Kuala Lumpur to its network this month. It is already connecting Hong Kong with Bangkok and describes that service as successful.