China launches the Chang'e-3 lunar probe at 1:30 a.m. Monday in Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

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

Review:

China announces launch of Chang'e-3 lunar probe "successful"

The launch of China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 was "successful," the Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced Monday.

China's lunar probe enters earth-moon transfer orbit

China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 has entered the earth-moon transfer orbit after it separated from the carrier rocket, space authorities announced Monday.

China launches probe and rover to moon

The lunar probe, aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket, blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 1:30 a.m. Monday.

China's lunar probe with 1st moon rover aboard blasts off

China's Chang'e-3 lunar probe with its first moon rover "Yutu" (Jade Rabbit) aboard blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China early Monday.

Backgrounder: The Moon in Chinese poetry

China will launch the lunar probe, Chang'e-3, named after a legendary moon goddess, to the moon early Monday, the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial object.

China's upcoming lunar probe fantastic: U.S. expert

China's upcoming launch of Chang'e-3 lunar probe is "fantastic" and its space program "impressive", a U.S. space expert said.