Lesson 2 of 5 · A lander and a rover
A lander and a rover
5 minute lesson · 3 checks along the way
Your goal for this lessonExplain how fixed and mobile surface instruments complement one another.
In this lesson 3 sections · 3 checks
Using archive links & definitions
Follow a linked name to explore its archive card. “Back to your lesson” brings you to the same part of the reading.
Read & understand
Reach the surface, then extend the view
Chang'e 3 / Yutu landed on the Moon in December 2013 and deployed Yutu. A lander establishes one observing location. A rover can visit nearby terrain, connecting observations at different points. Deploying a moving vehicle adds route planning and surface interaction to the landing problem.
Check 1 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Read & understand
Mobility has a budget
A fictional rover team can drive farther or stop for a careful measurement before the next communication period. Neither choice is automatically best. Compare scientific value with terrain, available energy and the time needed to return useful data. Distance traveled is an operational result, not a complete measure of science.
Yutu photographed on the Moon during the Chang'e 3 / Yutu mission. The visible rover is flight hardware on the surface. Display image resized and compressed.
Look closely
What does the image establish, and what does it leave unmeasured?
See what to notice
It shows the rover and nearby terrain; instrument records are needed for physical-property claims.
Check 2 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Read & understand
Describe the evidence you have
The photograph shows Yutu on the lunar surface. It documents the rover’s visible configuration and setting. To evaluate a subsurface claim, you would need the relevant instrument data and its interpretation. A compelling photograph is valuable without serving as proof of every scientific conclusion associated with the mission.
Check 3 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Put it together
Your lesson progress
Each check connects to a part of the story. Complete all 3 to earn your 25-point lesson bonus.
Explore further · Optional
Go to the source
Explore the evidence behind this lesson. These optional readings and videos open in a new tab.