China lands Jade Rabbit robot rover on moon

China says it has successfully landed an unmanned spacecraft on the moon, in what represents a major achievement for the country's space programme.

On Saturday afternoon (GMT), a landing module underwent a powered descent, using thrusters to perform the first soft landing on the moon in 37 years.

The touchdown took place on a flat plain called the Bay of Rainbows.

The lander was carrying a robotic rover called Yutu, which translates as "Jade Rabbit".

The rover rolled off onto the Moon's surface several hours after the landing.

Damian Grammaticas reports.