December 16, 2013

China Does the Moonwalk

The lunar landing represents a significant milestone for China’s space program. China sent its first astronaut to space in 2003.

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After landing a spacecraft on the Moon, China has deployed its robotic rover, Jade Rabbit (called Yutu in Chinese), for a three-month mission to explore the Sinus Iridum (Latin for “Bay of Rainbows”) impact crater.

The solar-powered Yutu is the first robot to successfully land on the Moon in almost 40 years. The lunar landing represents a significant milestone for China’s space program. China sent its first astronaut to space in 2003.

Image Credit: Chinese National Space Administration, Xinhuanet

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