# Yutu-2 > Chinese lunar rover **Wikidata**: [Q60407805](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60407805) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yutu-2) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yutu-2 ## Summary Yutu-2 is a Chinese lunar rover that landed on the far side of the Moon as part of the Chang'e 4 mission in 2019. Weighing 140 kilograms and powered by solar panels and a radioisotope heater, it was the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side, conducting scientific research and relaying data back to Earth. ## Key Facts - **Mass**: 140 kilograms - **Dimensions**: 1.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter tall - **Launch date**: 2018 - **Landing date**: January 3, 2019 - **Launch vehicle**: Long March 3B - **Launch site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center - **Landing location**: Von Kármán crater on the Moon's far side - **Operator**: China National Space Administration - **Part of**: Chang'e 4 mission and the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program - **Named after**: Moon rabbit, a symbol in Chinese mythology - **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array and radioisotope heater unit - **Scientific instruments**: Ground-penetrating radar and camera ## FAQs ### Q: What is Yutu-2, and why is it significant? A: Yutu-2 is a Chinese lunar rover that landed on the far side of the Moon in 2019. It is significant because it was the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side, conducting scientific research and relaying data back to Earth, advancing China's lunar exploration efforts. ### Q: How does Yutu-2 differ from other lunar rovers? A: Yutu-2 is unique because it is the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side, which is not visible from Earth. It also carries a ground-penetrating radar to study the lunar subsurface, a feature not commonly found in earlier rovers. ### Q: What scientific instruments does Yutu-2 carry? A: Yutu-2 carries a ground-penetrating radar and a camera. These instruments allow it to study the lunar subsurface and capture images of the Moon's far side. ### Q: How is Yutu-2 powered? A: Yutu-2 is powered by a spacecraft solar array and a radioisotope heater unit, which provide energy for its operations on the Moon's far side. ### Q: What is the significance of Yutu-2's landing location? A: Yutu-2 landed in the Von Kármán crater on the Moon's far side, which is a scientifically valuable area due to its unique geological features and the insights it provides into the Moon's history. ## Why It Matters Yutu-2 is a pivotal achievement in China's space exploration program, marking the first time a rover has operated on the Moon's far side. This mission has significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon's geology and environment, particularly in regions previously unexplored. By studying the lunar subsurface with its ground-penetrating radar, Yutu-2 has provided valuable data on the Moon's composition and history. Its successful deployment also demonstrates China's growing capabilities in deep-space exploration, contributing to the global effort to explore the Moon and beyond. The mission's achievements have inspired further lunar exploration and technological advancements in space science. ## Notable For - **First far-side rover**: Yutu-2 was the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side, conducting scientific research in a previously unexplored region. - **Ground-penetrating radar**: It carries a ground-penetrating radar, allowing it to study the lunar subsurface and provide insights into the Moon's geological history. - **Long operational lifespan**: Yutu-2 has exceeded its expected operational lifespan, continuing to relay valuable data from the Moon's far side. - **Technological advancements**: The mission has demonstrated China's advancements in lunar rover technology and deep-space exploration. - **Scientific contributions**: Yutu-2's data has contributed to our understanding of the Moon's geology and environment, particularly in the Von Kármán crater. ## Body ### Mission Overview Yutu-2 was launched in 2018 as part of the Chang'e 4 mission, which aimed to land a rover on the far side of the Moon. The mission successfully landed on January 3, 2019, in the Von Kármán crater, making it the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side. ### Design and Specifications Yutu-2 has a mass of 140 kilograms and dimensions of 1.5 meters in length, 1 meter in width, and 1 meter in height. It is powered by a spacecraft solar array and a radioisotope heater unit, which provide energy for its operations on the Moon's far side. ### Scientific Instruments Yutu-2 is equipped with a ground-penetrating radar and a camera. The ground-penetrating radar allows it to study the lunar subsurface, providing valuable data on the Moon's composition and geological history. The camera captures images of the Moon's far side, contributing to our visual understanding of this unexplored region. ### Achievements Yutu-2 has achieved several notable milestones, including being the first rover to operate on the Moon's far side. It has conducted extensive scientific research and relayed valuable data back to Earth, advancing our understanding of the Moon's geology and environment. ### Significance Yutu-2's mission is significant because it represents a major step forward in China's lunar exploration program. It has demonstrated China's capabilities in deep-space exploration and contributed to the global effort to study the Moon. The mission's achievements have inspired further lunar exploration and technological advancements in space science.