On May 3, China made a historic leap in space exploration by launching the Chang'e-6 lunar probe into orbit. This mission marks the first journey of its kind, aiming to collect samples from the less-known far side of the moon.
What sets Chang'e-6 apart is its collaborative spirit. The probe carries payloads from four countries, including France. The French contribution focuses on measuring radon gas and its decay products on the lunar surface, providing invaluable data for understanding the moon's radiation environment.
\"The study of radiation environment in cislunar space is very helpful for our scientists to have a better understanding of the moon,\" said Yang Yuguang, vice chair of the International Astronautical Federation's Space Transportation Committee.
He further explained, \"Radon is the product of many radioisotope during their radioactive decay, therefore the detection of radon is an effective way to study radioactivity in cislunar space. It's also necessary to do this research as a preparation to set up permanent base on the lunar surface.\"
The Chang'e-6 mission is a continuation of the longstanding space cooperation between China and France. The partnership dates back to 1997 when the two governments signed an agreement for the peaceful use of outer space, paving the way for joint ventures like the China-France Oceanographic Satellite.
Reference(s):
China-France space cooperation benefits global scientific research
cgtn.com
