China's moon rover completes first scientific exploration of lunar soil

China's moon rover "Yutu", or Jade Rabbit, completed its first scientific exploration of lunar soil on Tuesday.

According to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC), the rover used its mechanical arm to survey the lunar soil at 21:45 Beijing Time, following instructions from the control center, China Daily reported.

The exploration lasted about half an hour and every operation was precisely performed by the rover, it said.

The rover completed an arm flexing assessment on December 23, a key test before beginning the soil survey and other work on the surface, the center said.

Yutu will survey the moon's geological structure and surface substances and look for natural resources for three months, while the lander will conduct in-situ exploration at the landing site for one year.