China is preparing to launch a lunar probe that would land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.

STORY: China launched a historic uncrewed mission to the far side of the moon on Friday, the first country to embark on such an ambitious attempt.China's largest rocket - the Long March-5 - blasted off from the southern island of Hainan,