The Yutu or Jade Rabbit is a Chinese six wheeled rover vehicle built to travel on the Moon. It landed on the Moon in December 2013, and made its first trip on 14 December 2013. It weighs 120 kg and can travel at a speed of 200 metres per hour. It is expected to operate on the Moon for about three months.
The Chinese landing on the Moon was the first soft landing since 1976. It is part of China's Chang'e-3 space program which uses the Long March 3B rocket. The Jade Rabbit carries a range of scientific equipment including a radar system which will be able to examine the ground beneath the surface.
References[change | change source]
- "BBC News - China's Jade Rabbit Moon rover sends back first photos". bbc.co.uk. 15 December 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25393826. Retrieved 16 December 2013.