China's second moon probe is parked at a stable spot in deep space, called a Lagrangian point, as part of a new mission to study the sun and Earth 's magnetic field.

The multi-tasking spacecraft, called the Chang'e 2 , completed its moon mapping mission earlier this year. Its new mission may be a signal of China's expanding prowess in space -- not only for scientific purposes, but perhaps for showcasing strategic intentions, experts say.