China’s first lunar rover, Yutu (Jade Rabbit), which was landed onto the surface of the Moon as part of the Chang’E 3 mission has experienced a “mechanical control abnormality”. The exact nature of the anomaly has not been specified but it is noted that ground engineers are trying to remotely repair it or work around it. The fault was due to “complicated lunar surface environment,” according to Xinhua reporting the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND). The abnormality reportedly became apparent before the rover entered its second hibernation phase on 25 January 2014 as lunar night fell.
Yutu rover on Moon. Courtesy: CNSA
