Posted: Sun, Jan 26, 2014, 10:44 AM ET (1544 GMT)
China's first lunar rover, Yutu, has suffered an unspecified technical problem that may jeopardize its mission. Official Chinese media reported Saturday that Yutu has had an "abnormality" blamed on the "complicated lunar surface environment." Chinese officials didn't provide additional details on the problem, although other reports indicate a problem with a "master control" system. The incident took place as the rover and the Chang'e-3 landed went into hibernation for the two-week lunar night. Chang'e-3 landed on December 14 and deployed Yutu shortly thereafter, and have already made it through one lunar night. Yutu has driven about 100 meters since landing, according to Chinese reports.

Related Links:

•  Xinhua article about problem
•  Xinhua article about reaction
•  AFP article
•  The Planetary Society article