China’s Mars rover soldiers on after finishing initial programme

Officials said it would continue to explore the area known as Utopia Planitia where it landed on May 14

Picture: Nasa/ESA/PA

China’s Mars rover is soldiering on after completing its initial programme to explore the red planet and search for frozen water that could provide clues to whether it once supported life.

The National Space Administration said the Zhurong rover completed its 90-day programme on August 15 and was in excellent technical condition and fully charged.