Yutu-2 Lunar Rover still works! It continuously sends data from the Far Side of the Moon
As of June 11, 2024, the Yutu-2 rover, part of China's Chang'e 4 mission, remains operational on the lunar far side. Since January 2019, it has been the sole robotic explorer in this uncharted territory, continuously transmitting invaluable data.
The rover's scientific payload, including ground-penetrating radar, a panoramic camera, and a visible and near-infrared spectrometer, enables investigations into the lunar regolith. It identifies mineral and rock constituents while probing the subsurface structure.
A significant finding is the discovery of a gel-like substance in a small crater, hypothesized to be impact glass. Its definitive composition remains elusive. Another unresolved phenomenon is the high-reflectance material on the floor of Von Kármán crater. Its reflectance surpasses that of the surrounding regolith, and its nature and origin continue to be subjects of ongoing research.
The ground-penetrating radar has revealed a stratified subsurface structure extending to depths of tens of meters. This suggests a complex impact events, though the precise details require further elucidation. Despite the extreme lunar environment, characterized by harsh temperatures and radiation, Yutu-2 continues to function beyond its intended lifespan, an example of robust engineering design.
Images credit: China National Space Administration | cnsa.gov.cn
First panorama credit: CNSA/Neal Spence
2nd pan credit: CSNA/Siyu Zhang/Kevin M. Gill
3rd panorama credit: CNSA/Thomas Appéré
Final Copernicus crater visualisation: iGadgetPro
Visuals and sound - by iGadgetPro
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0:00 - Intro
0:20 - 150 images panorama by Chang'e 4
0:50 - Yutu-2 rover on far side of the Moon
2:05 - South Pole-Aitken Basin by Chang'e 4
2:48 - Image directly from Yutu-2 Rover (Lander is the point of view)
3:47 - Copernicus crater by iGadgetPro
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