China moon mission aims to bring back lunar rocks

China launched an ambitious mission on Tuesday to bring back material from moon's surface for first time in more than 40 years — an undertaking that could boost human understanding of moon and of solar system more generally.

Chang'e 5 — named for Chinese moon goddess — is country's boldest lunar mission yet.

If successful, it would be a major advance for China's program, and some experts say it could pave way for bringing samples back from Mars or even a crewed lunar mission.

four modules of Chang'e 5 craft blasted off at just after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday (2030 GMT Monday) atop a massive Long March-5Y rocket from Wenchang launch center along coast of sourn island province of Hainan.

typically secretive administration had previously only confirmed launch would be in late vember.

craft typically take three days to reach moon.

mission's key task is to drill 2 meters (almost 7 feet) beneath moon's surface and scoop up about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of rocks and or debris to be brought back to Earth, according to NASA.

That would offer first opportunity for scientists to study newly obtained lunar material since American and Russian missions of 1960s and 1970s.

Chang'e 5 lander's time on moon is scheduled to be short and sweet.

It can only stay one lunar daytime, or about 14 Earth days, because it lacks radioisotope heating units to withstand moon's freezing nights.

lander will dig for materials with its drill and robotic arm and transfer m to what's called an ascender, which will lift off from moon and dock with service capsule.

materials will n be moved to return capsule to be hauled back to Earth.