Video Captures Finals Moments as China Lands “Jade Rabbit” Rover on the Moon

Video Captures Finals Moments as China Lands “Jade Rabbit” Rover on the MoonToday, millions of internet viewers watched live online video as China successfully landed an unmanned rover on the surface of the moon. Now youtube videos of the recorded lunar rover landing by China are also surfacing online – and can be watched below.

The lunar landing today (Saturday Dec 12, 2013) makes China the third country, along with the U.S. and Russia, to successfully land a rover on the moon. Known as the Chang’e-3, the lunar probe, carrying the “Jade Rabbit” lunar rover touched down on the moon after a 13 day trip from Earth.


The solar-powered, robotic rover called the Jade Rabbit, (Yutu in Mandarin Chinese), was to emerge several hours after touchdown and begin exploring Sinus Iridum (the Bay of Rainbows). This area is a relatively smooth plain formed from solidified lava.

According to a Chinese legend, Chang’e is a moon goddess, accompanied by a Jade Rabbit that can brew potions that offer immortality.

China reportedly is focused on creating a major presence in space, and believes that it is critically important for acquiring technological prowess, military strength and sheer status.

“The dream of the Chinese people across thousands of years of landing on the moon has finally been realized with Chang’e,” said the China News Service, a state-run news agency. “By successfully joining the international deep-space exploration club, we finally have the right to share the resources on the moon with developed countries.”

About D Robert Curry

D Robert Curry - with over 2 decades of experience in the IT sector and an avid aviator, Mr. Curry covers all Science & Technology and Aviation realted news stories. drcurry@newstaar.com