China to launch Chang'e-3 lunar probe early Monday

China will launch the Chang'e-3 lunar probe at 1:30 a.m. Monday in Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the mission's launching headquarters said in Xichang on Saturday.

This will be the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body.

China pursues 'zero window' launch for lunar probe

China will strive to launch its Chang'e-3 lunar probe at the optimal time within the launch window, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center said on Friday.

China is scheduled to launch the probe in early December. It will be the first time for a Chinese spacecraft to soft-land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body. Full story