On 15 December 2013, the Yutu rover commenced its surface operations following the successful landing of the Chang'e-3 spacecraft. This milestone marked a significant achievement for the Chinese space programme, as it established the nation's first mobile robotic explorer on the lunar surface. The deployment of the rover was a complex technical endeavour that required precise coordination between the lander and the lunar environment.

The primary objective of the mission was to demonstrate the feasibility of rover deployment and long-term operations on the Moon. By successfully navigating the lunar terrain and conducting scientific observations, the mission provided invaluable data that has served to inform and shape the trajectory of subsequent Chinese lunar exploration efforts. The operational success of Yutu proved that China possessed the capability to conduct sophisticated robotic missions beyond Earth's orbit.

Key aspects of the Yutu rover mission included:

• The successful deployment of the first Chinese mobile lunar explorer.
• The establishment of operational protocols for surface navigation.
• The collection of data to support future lunar mission planning.
• The demonstration of advanced robotic systems in a harsh extraterrestrial environment.

The legacy of the Yutu rover remains central to the history of lunar exploration, representing a critical step in the development of autonomous space technology. Through its activities on the Moon, the mission not only expanded scientific understanding of the lunar surface but also solidified China's position as a key participant in international space exploration. The technical lessons learned from this mission continue to influence the design and execution of modern lunar programmes.