Beijing, China – The uncrewed Chang’e-6 probe, launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), marks a significant milestone in Beijing’s space exploration efforts. This spacecraft is returning to Earth with the first-ever samples collected from the far side of the moon, a feat that showcases China’s advancements in space technology.

The Chang’e-6 landed on the lunar surface in the South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the moon’s oldest craters, where it spent two days collecting rock and soil samples using its drill and robotic arm. Following a successful sample-gathering mission, the lander unfurled a Chinese national flag on the far side of the moon before beginning its return journey to Earth. The ascender module of the probe has lifted off from the lunar surface and entered a preset orbit around the moon.

The scientific community has lauded this achievement, recognizing it as a remarkable feat in China’s space program. Prof. Martin Barstow from the University of Leicester emphasized the technical prowess required for such a mission, noting that only the USA and Russia have previously retrieved samples from the moon. Dr. Romain Tartèse from the University of Manchester expressed excitement about the prospect of studying the samples brought back by the Chang’e-6 probe.

The far side of the moon, often termed the “dark side” because it is not visible from Earth, presents new opportunities for research. Experts believe that the samples collected by the Chang’e-6 could offer vital insights into lunar formation, solar system evolution, and the differences between the moon’s near and far sides. These samples could also provide valuable information about Earth’s ability to support life.

Tartèse and his colleagues at Manchester University are eager to analyze the Chang’e-6 samples, having previously collaborated with Chinese researchers on samples from the near side of the moon collected during the Chang’e-5 mission. They anticipate that the new samples will offer crucial details on lunar crust formation and the history of the inner solar system.

Despite the successful collection of samples, the mission’s completion hinges on transferring the container with the samples to a re-entry capsule, which is expected to land in China’s Inner Mongolia region later in June. The next critical steps involve docking the ascent vehicle with the lunar orbiter and safely returning the Earth return vehicle from lunar orbit. The scientific community remains hopeful that the mission will conclude successfully, paving the way for further advancements in space exploration.