Moon Rover Missions

Moon rovers are vehicles that drive across the Moon. Some have people inside and some are robots. They help scientists explore places that are hard to reach on foot. Many countries have sent rovers to the Moon over the years.

Early Moon Rovers

The first robot rover on the Moon was from the Soviet Union. It was called Lunokhod 1 and landed in 1970. It drove around and sent back photos. In 1971, American astronauts drove a buggy on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission. The buggy could carry two people and their tools.

New Missions

Today, new countries are sending rovers to the Moon. China has sent rovers called Yutu, which means 'jade rabbit.' India landed a rover near the south pole of the Moon in 2023. These rovers help us learn more about the Moon's rocks and dust. Someday, bigger rovers may help astronauts live on the Moon.

Fun Facts

• The Apollo moon buggies are still sitting on the Moon today.
• The Moon has no air, so rovers do not need to worry about wind.
• Yutu-2 has been exploring the far side of the Moon since 2019.

Did You Know?

Moon rovers have to deal with huge temperature changes, from very hot to very cold, even in the same day.