China launched the Chang'e-5 lunar probe from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern province of Hainan, November 24, 2020. /VCG

The Long March-5, the country's largest carrier rocket, blasted off at 4:30 a.m. Beijing time carrying the Chang'e-5 spacecraft. /VCG

After the rocket flew for about 2,200 seconds, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced the spacecraft had been sent into the designated orbit, marking a successful launch. /VCG

The mission will seek to bring lunar material back to earth to help scientists understand more about the moon's origins and formation. /VCG