China’s Yutu-2 Rover Uncovers Lunar Secrets 300 Meters Beneath the Surface

China’s Yutu-2 Rover Reveals Surprises by Penetrating 300 Meters Below the Moon’s Surface

China’s Yutu-2 lunar rover has been spending extensive time on the Moon, having been transported to the far side of the Moon by the Chang’E-4 lander in January 2019. The rover has covered more ground than any other rover on the lunar surface and collected various measurements. Now, for the first time, it has penetrated deeper than ever before, looking 300 meters below the lunar surface and uncovering some intriguing surprises.

Equipped with the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), the rover’s device features two channels that can reach different depths depending on the frequency used, sending radio waves into the depths and collecting echoes. Different materials produce distinct echoes. Lower-frequency waves can penetrate deeper into the Moon, while higher-frequency waves reveal more details about the materials just beneath the lunar regolith, or surface soil.