The Jade Rabbit roves the moon

A video grab shows China's first moon rover, Yutu (translates to Jade Rabbit), separating from Chang'e-3 moon lander on Dec. 15, 2013.  Credit: Xinhua
A video grab shows China's first moon rover, Yutu (translates to Jade Rabbit), separating from Chang'e-3 moon lander on Dec. 15, 2013. Credit: Xinhua

Early in the morning on Dec. 15, 2013, China became the third county to put wheels down on the surface of the moon. This is the first time in nearly 40 years that a new rover has been placed on the moon. The Chang'e 3 lander touched down in Sinus Iridum (Bay of Rainbows), an ancient lava plain in the moon's northern hemisphere. The rover, called Yutu (translates to Jade Rabbit) was then lowered to the surface to begin a three month mission to explore the lunar landscape. The Chang'e lander mission will last for a full year.

View the historical moon landing and rover deployment here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaQTSTrbT3w