Lunokhod 2 rover begins exploration of the moon 1973

Lunakhod 2, launched in Luna 21, landed on the moon and began its exploration January 16, 1973.  It landed the day before.  The rover ran during the day and recharged its batteries with solar panels, and then hibernated at night, heated by a radioactive source.

It operated for four months until May and covered 23 miles before it fell into a crater and was covered with dust. 

Luna 21 launched 1973

Luna 21, Soviet probe to the Moon, was launched January 9, 1973.  It deployed the second successful Soviet rover Lunokhod 2.  The rover operated until June 3, exploring during the long lunar day, hibernating during the lunar night.  Its mission concluded on June 3, it is assumed it failed or could not be revived after the lunar night.

It logged almost 24 miles over its lifetime, a record for rovers until Opportunity on Mars surpassed its distance.