China will send unmanned lunar probe Chang’e-5 by CZ-5 launch vehicle from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in the end of 2017. It will be the first time for the Chinese probe to land on the Moon, collect samples and return to the Earth. This means the  third phase of China’s lunar exploration project will be completed.

The Chinese Lunar Exploration Project is divided into three main operational phases. 

1. Orbiting the Moon. The first phase entailed the launch of two lunar orbits, and is now effectively complete. 

2. Landing on the Moon. The second phase is ongoing, and incorporates spacecraft capable of soft-landing on the Moon and deploying lunar rovers.

3. Return to the Earth. The final phase will return sample material from the lunar surface as part of a robotic mission.