China’s Chang’e-6 Probe Starts Return With First-Ever Samples From Moon’s Far Side

China’s Chang’e-6 probe has successfully taken off from the far side of the Moon, carrying the first samples ever collected from this region. The probe, which landed near the Moon’s south pole, started its journey back to Earth at 00:38 GMT+1 on Tuesday.

The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) has described the mission as an “unprecedented feat in human lunar exploration.” This is because it is a historic achievement for the country’s space program. China remains the only country to have landed on the Moon’s far side. It first accomplished this feat in 2019.

The far side of the Moon is difficult to navigate. However, CNSA said the Chang’e-6 probe withstood “the test of high temperatures.” Space officials used a satellite to maintain communication with the spacecraft. The probe spent two days collecting about 2kg of rock and soil samples using a mechanical arm and drill.

Before its departure, the Chang’e-6 extended a robotic arm to display the Chinese flag on the Moon’s far side. This act is symbolic as no other country’s flag has ever been displayed in that moon region.

MOON SAMPLES

The samples collected by Chang’e-6 could provide crucial insights into the origin and evolution of the Moon, Earth, and the solar system. They are expected to reach Earth around June 25 and land in the deserts of Inner Mongolia. Initially, Chinese scientists will analyse the rocks, with international researchers later having the opportunity to study them.

China also plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 to establish a research base at its south pole. This mission began on May 3 and is expected to last 53 days.

Other nations, including the US, are also expanding their lunar programs, driven by lunar exploration’s strategic and scientific benefits. NASA plans to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026 as part of its Artemis program, aiming to build a scientific base camp there.

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