Lander designed for a year, rover 3 months. But totally expect a longer life out of it
We already have the animated gif http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2013/12141328-six-wheels-on-soil-for-yutu.html
All this happened about two hours ago (ramp photos 12:28 EST, rolling onto ramp 1:48 EST, ramp motion 2:10 EST). Apparently it went much more slowly than shown in the taped summary. Very impressive performance.
Xinhua Beijing December 15 (Reporter Li Xuanliang, Tian Zhao Yun) Beijing time at 4:35 on December 15, Chang E III lander and rover separation, "rabbit No." rover arrived on the lunar surface smoothly.At 21:11 on the 14th, Chang E III successfully landed on the lunar longitude 19.5 degrees north latitude and 44.1 degrees east of Rainbow Bay area, then according to plan and carry out inspections lander separated the preparatory work.At 23:45 on the 14th, the ground technical personnel for two separated the implementation of conditions, including the landing of environmental parameters, device status, the incident angle of the sun, etc., for a final check to make sure. Then, send commands to the Chang-e III, two separation begins.Reporters at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center flight control screen to see the hall, Chang E III lander safely stand on the lunar surface, solar wing was expanded. "Rabbit" rover stand at the top landing, expand solar wings outstretched mast."Rover moves to the transfer mechanism for recognition." 3:10, rover begins to move slowly to the transfer agency."Rover moves into place." 4:06, transfer agency normally unlocked, gently supports the weight of patrol started landing, touching the lunar surface, and between the lander and lunar surface put up an inclined ladder.Subsequently, the "Rabbit" slow walk down along the inclined ladder. 4:35, "rabbit" on the moon, the moon's surface printed a deep traces. Surveillance cameras to record the lander complete this process, and imaging data will be returned promptly to the ground.According to reports, with the lander with rover separation, will be two Intermateability shot imaging, and carry out a series of inspections in place to detect and survey activities.