Mineral quantitative inversion based on in-situ spectral observations from Yutu-2: Anomalous sample origin and mineral composition variations on the Rover's path

Abstract

In January 2019, China's Chang'e-4 (CE-4) spacecraft successfully landed in Von Kármán crater on the farside of the Moon. During nearly six years of operation until November 2024, the Visible and Near-infrared Image Spectrometer (VNIS) onboard the Yutu-2 rover acquired in-situ spectral data along an approximately 1600 m traverse path, offering critical opportunities to investigate subtle mineralogical variations within the patrol region. In this study, we analyzed these spectral data using a sparse spectral decomposition method with TiO₂ constraints to quantitatively estimate the abundances of six lunar minerals, including high‑calcium pyroxene, low-calcium pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase, ilmenite and agglutinate/glass. We further examined the mineralogical properties of regolith and rocks in Yutu-2's patrol area to identify trends and correlations in compositional variations. By comparing results with Kaguya Multiband Imager data products, we identified a gradual decreasing spatial distribution in plagioclase abundance along the traverse path, likely attributable to ejecta from the Zhinyu crater. Furthermore, analysis of Moon Mineral Mapper (M³) data revealed samples with similar spectral characteristics near Zhinyu crater, supporting this hypothesis. Additionally, the impact of secondary impact craters on local regions was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed using VNIS spectral features and agglutinate/glass abundance. These findings enhance understanding of the complex origin and evolution of materials at the CE-4 landing site region.