News that China's 'Jade Rabbit' lunar rover had experienced an 'abnormality' on the surface of the Moon sparked an outpouring of support online.
According to China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND), "a mechanical control abnormality occurred to Yutu" due to the "complicated lunar surface environment". Repair work is ongoing.
After news of the malfunction was published on Weibo account 'Lunar Rover Yutu' run by space enthusiasts, it quickly garnered over 36,000 retweets.
"You have done a great job Yutu. You have endured extreme hot and cold temperatures and shown us what we have never seen. Hope you get well soon, but no matter what, it is your presence that makes the planet about 390 thousand kilometers away dazzling," wrote "Amaniandlove".
Zhang Yian, a Beijing-based writer, said Yutu has shouldered more than just the hope of China's space industry but also the dreams of the Chinese people. "This is too heavy a burden. If the rabbit can not stand again, maybe we should let it have a rest."
"Tanwie" wrote on weibo, "Space exploration, the more gorgeous a view you see, the more dangerous it can be."
Saturday was also the 10th anniversary of the successful landing of the Opportunity rover on Mars. A Weibo account which regularly posts NASA news (but is unconnected with the US agency) account posted a message wishing Yutu to get well soon.
"There is no smooth way ahead. Whether or not we can overcome [Yutu's] difficult situation, it's a big lesson for our lunar exploration research," said Yang Yuguang, a researcher from China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation.
[Image via Weibo]
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