A lunar probe is a scientific space exploration mission in which a man-made spacecraft is sent into the Moon orbital space.

China launched its latest lunar probe, the Chang'e-2, on October 1, 2010 which is expected to reach lunar orbit within five days. Chang'e-2 is to orbit within 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of the moon, test key landing technology for Chang'e-3, and provide high-resolution photographs of the moon's surface.