DHAKA: China will launch its first ever moon rover mission on Monday, state media have announced.

A rocket carrying the vehicle, named ‘Jade Rabbit’ in a nod to Chinese folklore, will blast off at 01.30am local time (Sunday 1730 GMT).

‘The Chang’e 3 is set to be launched for its moon mission from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on Dec. 2,’ state broadcaster CCTV said on its verified Twitter account on Saturday, reports The Times of India.

BDST: 1603 HRS, NOV 30, 2013