Expert: Yutu likely finished, more moon missions ahead   

長征三號火箭總設計師：中國已具備載人登月技術

我國長征三號系列火箭總設計師兼總指揮、中國工程院院士龍樂豪說，嫦娥3號“玉兔”在月球“生病”，已是不能“痊愈”。但估計10年之內，中國人登月就不再是凄美的神話，而能變成真正的現實。[查看全文]

(ECNS) – A moon exploration expert has said that China's lunar rover Yutu is probably beyond repair, but that China is poised for more moon missions in the decade ahead.

Long Lehao, deputy director of China's lunar exploration project and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, on Monday briefed the media about Yutu's status and China's lunar ambitions.

The Yutu (Jade Rabbit), deployed by the Chang'e-3 lander, experienced a mechanical problem in January. Scientists are still trying to figure out the cause, but repair work could be difficult because of the huge distance, said Long.

Long also said that they'll probably leave Chang'e-3 there to explore mineral resources.

Chang'e-4, the backup probe for Chang'e-3 that was planned for blastoff in 2015, may have to cancel its mission this year with Yutu ailing.

"It's unknown whether Chang'e-4 will be launched and when, and what its missions will be," Long said.

The Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 landers are due to lift off in 2017 or 2018 to retrieve rocks and soil from the moon.

Meanwhile, China is forging ahead with a manned moon landing.

Long said that China has grasped the technology and is building rocket carriers.

"A moon landing will become reality in 10 years," he said.