Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image of China’s Chang’e 3 lunar lander taken by Yutu rover.
Credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Chinese space officials have spotlighted the year-long scientific work of the still operating Chang’e 3 lander.

The spacecraft touched down on the Moon’s surface on December 14, 2013. It carried the Yutu rover that was deployed from the stationary lander to roam freely across the lunar terrain.

The state-owned news agency, the People’s Daily, quotes Cui Yan, chief designer of the Chang’e-3 lunar program at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC).

During its year on the lunar surface, which included 13 dormancies on lunar nights and awakenings on lunar days, the Chang’e 3 lunar lander endured the extreme cold environment and carried out more than 30 radio surveys, Cui says, adding that the lander will continue to carry out additional tasks.

“The Chang’e 3 lander has accomplished all its scheduled tasks in its expected lifetime,” Cui said. “But given its good condition, we plan to conduct further experiments to accumulate more technical experience for China’s deep space exploration.”