Chang'e 3 lunar probe to launch

China will launch the Chang'e 3 lunar probe at 1:30 am on Monday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the mission's launch headquarters said on Saturday.

It will be the first time for China to send a spacecraft for a soft landing on the surface of an extraterrestrial body. It will conduct surveys on the moon.

The probe will be launched to orbit aboard an enhanced Long March 3B carrier.

Chang'e 3 comprises a lander and a moon rover called Yutu (Jade Rabbit).

The lunar probe will land on the moon in mid-December, according to the plan. Tasks for Yutu include surveying the moon's geology and surface substances.