China's Jade Rabbit moon rover may have stubbed its lucky foot.
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported Saturday that China's Yutu moon rover (the name means Jade Rabbit) "has experienced a mechanical control abnormality, and scientists are organizing repairs."
It is not clear how serious the abnormality, but the news agency said the moon rover's malfunction occurred due to the "complicated lunar surface environment," citing the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND)
The issue with the solar-powered rover robot emerged as it entered its second hibernation period on the moon Jan. 25 as the lunar night fell, according to SASTIND officials. Earlier on Jan. 24 the Chang'e 3 lander also went into its own scheduled hibernation.
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