China’s Jade Rabbit Moon Rover Is Dead
After a record-breaking 31 months on the lunar surface
Last week, China’s first moon rover finally bit the lunar dust. Yutu, or Jade Rabbit, has ceased operating after 31 months of service, state media report.
Yutu arrived on the moon’s surface in December 2013 with the Chang’e 3 lander. During its stay, the rover collected pictures and data about the moon’s geology, and discovered a new kind of moon rock.
The rover was briefly thought dead in February 2014 after a cold lunar night caused it to shut down, but renewed communications (although not its ability to move) and went on to become the longest operating moon rover.
