China will launch its third spacecraft to the moon next year as part of its lunar exploration mission, Beijing Morning Post reports.

The Chang'e 3, named after the Chinese goddess of the moon, includes a lander and rover that will jointly carry out exploration activities for the first time in world history, according to Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist of China's lunar exploration program.

Ouyang said Chang'e 3 would make a soft landing on the moon, as parachutes are not an option because of the lack of air on the moon.

The rover is China's most advanced robot with complete automatic navigation and operations.

The rover will carry a nuclear-powered battery that will last throughout the long and cold lunar nights. The battery can last up to 30 years.

Chang'e 3 will be launched at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan province.