Beijing, China – China’s uncrewed Chang’e-6 probe has successfully gathered rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon and is now on its return journey to Earth, marking a significant milestone for China’s space program. The probe landed on the lunar surface within the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, one of the oldest craters on the moon, and spent two days collecting samples using its drill and robotic arm.
According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang’e-6 probe has lifted off from the lunar surface and entered a preset orbit around the moon, carrying with it a Chinese national flag unfurled for the first time on the moon’s far side. The scientific community has welcomed this achievement, noting its importance in the exploration of the lunar surface.
Experts believe that the samples retrieved from the far side of the moon could offer unprecedented insights into the moon’s formation, evolution, and the solar system as a whole. The recovery of these samples could potentially answer lingering questions about the differences between the near and far sides of the moon and shed light on Earth’s ability to sustain life.
Professors and researchers from various universities, including the University of Leicester and the University of Manchester, have expressed excitement about the prospects of studying the Chang’e-6 samples. They hope that this new data will provide crucial information about the lunar crust’s construction and the history of the inner solar system.
While the mission’s success so far has been encouraging, scientists caution that there are still potentially challenging stages ahead. The next steps involve transferring the sample container to a re-entry capsule that is scheduled to return to Earth and land in China’s Inner Mongolia region around June 25. The process includes docking the ascent vehicle with the lunar orbiter and safely guiding the Earth return vehicle back to Earth.
The successful return of these samples could open up new opportunities for scientific research and collaboration, offering valuable insights into lunar geology and the history of the solar system. Researchers are eager to analyze the samples and unlock the mysteries of the moon’s far side, paving the way for further discoveries in space exploration.