China's space agency has announced the approved list for the eighth batch of lunar sample research applications, marking a significant step in international scientific collaboration. This latest distribution includes samples from the groundbreaking Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions.
A total of 8,550.4 milligrams of lunar material will be shared with 18 researchers spanning 16 prestigious institutions. Notable recipients include the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the University of Hong Kong, Macau University of Science and Technology, Beihang University, and Wuhan University.
The Chang'e-6 mission has made history by collecting 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the moon, a feat never achieved before. In addition, the Chang'e-5 mission successfully retrieved approximately 1,731 grams of lunar samples, further enriching humanity's understanding of the moon's composition and history.
Ge Ping, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration, emphasized China's commitment to fostering a collaborative scientific environment. \"China has maintained a positive and open attitude and welcomes scientists from all countries to submit applications in accordance with the relevant procedures,\" Ping stated.
Since July 2021, China has delivered seven batches of lunar samples to various research institutions. These samples are being utilized to explore diverse fields such as lunar surface processes, volcanic activity, lunar evolution, and the mineral and volatile composition of the moon.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
