After a series of successful tests, China's first lunar orbiting satellite will enter the final stages of its moon exploration, the China National Space Administration said yesterday. The observation equipment and sensors aboard Chang'e I would be activated after its lunar orbit was adjusted late tonight, the agency said. The satellite had gone through several tests since it entered the 127-minute orbit 200km above the moon on November 7, agency spokesman Pei Zhaoyu said. 'All the tests indicate Chang'e I is working properly and the satellite is in very good shape,' Mr Pei told Xinhua, 'The power supply is stable, its posture and temperature are under control, and its communications with the Earth are smooth.' After today's manoeuvres, the satellite will launch a probe towards the moon. It will position its solar panel towards the sun for power generation and its directional antenna towards the Earth to allow data transmission. The 2,350kg satellite is carrying eight pieces of probing equipment, including a stereo camera and a microwave detector. It is expected to relay back its first picture of the moon before the end of the month. Chang'e I represents the first step in Chinese plans to land robotic explorers on the moon before 2020.