Beijing, China – China’s lunar probe, the Chang’e-6 craft, has successfully departed from the far side of the moon, carrying valuable samples collected from this previously unexplored region. The historic liftoff marks a significant milestone in China’s ambitious space exploration program.
Named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology, the Chang’e-6 craft touched down near the moon’s south pole, a challenging feat celebrated by the global scientific community. China’s achievement in landing on the far side of the moon showcases its growing prowess in space exploration, with previous successful missions in 2019.
The Chinese National Space Administration hailed the mission as an “unprecedented feat in human lunar exploration,” highlighting the technical challenges posed by the rugged terrain and deep craters of the far side of the moon. The mission’s goal is to bring back rock and soil samples that could provide valuable insights into the unique geological composition of this region.
Upon completion of the sample collection, the unmanned robot craft was captured on video waving a Chinese flag, symbolizing the successful completion of its mission. The module’s subsequent take-off and entry into a pre-set orbit around the moon pave the way for its return to Earth in approximately three weeks, ultimately landing in Inner Mongolia.
Scientists in China will have the first opportunity to analyze the collected samples, signaling a new phase in lunar exploration that could address fundamental questions about planetary formation. The mission’s focus on the Moon’s South Pole holds promise for uncovering ice deposits that could support future human exploration efforts and scientific research.
China’s ambitious lunar exploration program includes plans for additional missions in the coming decade, with a broader strategy aiming to establish a permanent base on the Moon. As part of this vision, China is working towards sending a Chinese astronaut to walk on the moon by 2030, aligning with global efforts to expand human presence beyond Earth.
In parallel, the United States also has its sights set on returning astronauts to the moon, with NASA’s Artemis-3 mission slated for a 2026 launch. The race for lunar exploration continues to drive innovation and collaboration in the space exploration community, setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.