Update | Why historic lunar mission is a daunting test for China's scientists
Scientists face a series of challenges as China's space programme takes a historic step
China will launch its first ever moon rover mission on Monday, state media said, as Beijing embarks on the latest stage in its ambitious space programme.
“The Chang’e 3 is set to be launched for its moon mission from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre on December 2,” state broadcaster CCTV said on its verified Twitter account on Saturday.
Official news agency Xinhua also confirmed the launch date, citing officials at the satellite launch centre.
If successful, the launch will mark a major milestone in China’s space exploration programme, which aims to create a permanent space station by 2020 and eventually send someone to the moon.
But its technology currently lags behind the expertise of the United States and Russia.
Beijing sees its military-run space programme as a marker of its rising global stature and growing technological might, as well as the ruling Communist Party’s success in turning around the fortunes of the once poverty-stricken nation.