A small robot weighing about 5 kg landed successfully on the far side of the Moon during China’s Chang’e 6 mission, capturing images of the lander with the Chinese flag. The robot was launched by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) along with vehicles for the Chang’e 6 mission on May 3. New images released by CAST showed the robot attached to the lunar lander, sparking curiosity among space science enthusiasts.
The rover was deployed two days after landing and completed sample collection activities on the Moon. The mini robot autonomously moved away from the lander and took a dramatic photo showcasing various components such as solar panels, landing legs, sampling arms, and an elevated Chinese flag made of basalt fiber. This development in autonomous intelligence represents a significant step forward in China’s deep space exploration efforts.
The mini robot is much smaller and lighter compared to China’s previous lunar robots, Jade Rabbit and Jade Rabbit 2. Although there is limited information about the mission, it is believed that the lander and robot might have ceased operation when the launch vehicle sped off into orbit. Currently, an estimated 2 kg lunar sample is in the Chang’e 6 mission’s respirator compartment, scheduled to return to Earth on June 25.
