Excitement is reaching new heights at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, as samples from the moon's far side are unveiled to the public. These remarkable lunar samples, collected by China's Chang'e-6 mission, mark a significant milestone in space exploration.
Weighing approximately 75 milligrams, the lunar soil on display represents the first public welfare samples from the Chang'e-6 mission. These samples were meticulously gathered from the largest, deepest, and oldest impact crater on the moon's far side, where the lunar crust is at its thinnest, providing unique scientific insights.
Visitors to Airshow China will have the rare opportunity to view these extraterrestrial materials up close. According to Zhang Tao, an official with the China National Space Administration (CNSA), \"The lunar samples are expected to draw significant public interest.\"
The exhibition doesn't stop at the samples alone. Attendees can also explore the Chang'e-6 return capsule, the parachute that facilitated the safe delivery of the lunar samples to Earth, and the sealed container used during the lunar soil collection process.
In June, Chang'e-6 made history by returning 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples from the moon's far side, the first successful retrieval of its kind. These samples are set to enhance our understanding of lunar evolution, accelerate the peaceful exploration and utilization of lunar resources, and serve as a valuable asset for humanity's future in space.
Running from November 12 to 17, Airshow China has been a pivotal event since its inception in 1996, showcasing advanced aviation and aerospace technologies from around the world. This year's inclusion of the Chang'e-6 lunar samples underscores the exhibition's role as a window into groundbreaking scientific achievements and innovations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
