XICHANG, Sichuan, Dec. 1 -- The Long March-3B rocket to carry the Chang'e-3 lunar probe is in normal and sound condition as the launch is within less than two hours, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced late Sunday.

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

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.