The Asian giant joins the United States and the former Soviet Union in the short list of countries which have made it to the moon.

According to reports, China's silver rover, the Yutu or 'Jade Rabbit', has landed on the moon December 14. The Asian giant's rover is named after the pet of Chang'e - Chinese mythology's goddess of the moon.

"China's lunar programme is an important component of mankind's activities to explore the peaceful use of space," said Sun Huixian, a space engineer with the Chinese lunar programme in a report by BBC.

China launched the unmanned rover December 2 via the locally developed Long March 3B rocket. The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, south of China. According to Xinhua, the rover landed Saturday past 1300 GMT. The Jade Rabbit touched down at the Bay of Rainbows (Sinus Iridum). The rover's descent reportedly lasted 11 to 12 minutes.

The Asian country's lunar rover vehicle weighs 120 kilograms or over 260 lbs. It is six-wheeled and is able to travel 200 miles per hour. The rover also has the ability to climb slopes of up to 30 degrees.

The Jade Rabbit is expected to explore the moon for three months. The lander will reportedly stay there for well over a year.

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