China completed the first soft landing on the moon's surface in 37 years Saturday, becoming only the third country to pull off the feat.

State television showed scientists in white and pale blue coats applauding, shaking hands and congratulating each other after the craft, Chang'e-3, landed safely at 9:12 p.m. local time. It also showed photographs of the moon's surface beamed back from the craft.

The landing marked a significant advance in China's space program and a step toward its ambitions of one day following the United States in mounting a manned lunar mission.