REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, XICHANG -- 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 here Saturday.

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

Facilities at the launching site are in good conditions and preparations for the launch are going well, according to the headquarters.

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 if everything goes according to plan.

Tasks for Yutu include surveying the moon's geological structure and surface substances, while looking for natural resources.