China intends to launch Chang'e-3, a third unmanned moon probe, as part of a three-phase moon mission in 2013.
Chang'e-3 chief Commander Ye Peijian was quoted by Xinhuanet as saying that the probe would soft land on the moon and release a rover to examine the surface and interior of the moon.
The probes are part of the second phase of China's lunar exploration programme.
Before the launch of Chang'e-3, Chang'e-2 will test key soft landing technologies and provide high-resolution photo images of the landing area.
The third probe will return a sample to earth in 2017, marking the close of the three-phase moon mission.
