Lunar Mission Tests

The service module of China's unmanned lunar orbiter has finished tests of orbiting technologies needed for a future sampling mission on the moon.

The orbiter conducted three tests between February 6 and 7 to modulate the speed, height and orbit in a simulative moon sampling mission, according to a statement of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense on February 8.

The technology adopted is likely to be used in the country's next lunar probe mission, Chang'e-5.

The Chang'e-5 probe, expected to launch in 2017, will be tasked with landing on the moon, collecting samples and returning to Earth.

The current lunar orbiter blasted off on October 24, 2014. Its return capsule made it safely back to Earth last November after circling the moon during an eight-day mission while the service module has remained in orbit to undertake more scientific experiments and equipment test.

Username Management

The Cyberspace Administration of China has issued a regulation banning the use of malicious content, such as avatars and account handles, across all Internet services.

The 10-clause regulation, which will come into effect on March 1, stipulates that avatars and account handles should not include information that violates the Constitution or the country's laws, subverts state power, undermines national security and sovereignty, or is deemed to be spreading rumors.

Malicious content includes the promotion of cults and the dissemination of pornography or extremism, among others, according to the regulation.

Administrative Reform

The Chinese Government published measures on February 4 that will speed up the administrative approval process.

A recent document of the State Council, China's cabinet, lists 10 ways to set time limits for the process and improve transparency.

Decisions on approval must be announced within a limited time and may not be prolonged for any reasons, according to the document. There should be "green passages" to give priority to projects supported by the government.

In the past two years, 798 administrative approval requirements have been canceled or delegated to local governments. However, delays, redundant procedures and opacity remain common.

The document requires authorities to voluntarily publicize all information related to approvals, as long as it does not involve state or commercial secrets or breach personal privacy.

Authorities should receive applicants at a one-stop service window or handle the work online, says the document.