BEIJING – China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully completed its historic Chang’e-6 mission, landing a return capsule in Inner Mongolia carrying the first-ever rock and soil samples collected from the far side of the Moon. The landmark achievement, which concluded a 53-day mission on Tuesday, cements China’s position at the forefront of the modern international space race and opens a new chapter in lunar science.
The probe launched on May 3 and landed in the immense South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest and oldest impact craters in the solar system, on the side of the Moon that permanently faces away from Earth. This region is of intense scientific interest as it may hold key clues to the Moon’s formation and the early history of our solar system. Because the far side is never visible from Earth, the mission required a relay satellite, Queqiao-2, to maintain communication between the probe and ground control.
Using a robotic arm and a drill, the Chang’e-6 lander collected approximately 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of lunar material before its ascender vehicle successfully lifted off from the Moon’s surface, docked with the orbiter, and began its journey home. The successful execution of this complex, multi-stage operation demonstrates a significant advancement in China’s autonomous space exploration capabilities.
Scientists worldwide are eager to study the unique samples, which are expected to differ significantly from those collected by the US Apollo missions and previous Chinese missions on the Moon’s near side. The material could provide unprecedented insights into the geological composition and thermal history of the Moon. This success paves the way for China’s ambitious future space plans, which include a crewed lunar landing targeted for 2030 and the construction of a permanent international lunar research station.
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