In a remarkable display of technological prowess, China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe unfurled a national flag on the far side of the moon on Monday. What sets this flag apart is its unique composition: basalt fibers, derived from rock.
Prof. Zhou Changyi from the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences explained, \"We crushed and melted the rocks in order to pull them into thin threads with a diameter about one-third that of a hair.\" This innovative material, known as Xuanwu rock in Chinese, is highly resistant to corrosion, extreme temperatures, and harsh lunar conditions, allowing the flag to potentially last over 10,000 years.
The development of basalt fiber technology took researchers over a year, showcasing China's commitment to advancing its space capabilities. Prof. Zhou highlighted the flag's enduring presence as a symbol meant to inspire patriotism among Chinese people worldwide.
Beyond its symbolic value, the basalt fiber material holds promise for future lunar construction. With the moon's surface rich in this type of rock, it could be instrumental in building China's lunar research base, potentially paving the way for sustained human presence on the moon.
This mission marks the first time China has independently displayed its national flag on the far side of the moon, an area not visible from Earth with regular telescopes. While the flag's appearance remains unseen from our planet, its significance resonates globally as a testament to China's growing role in space exploration.
Reference(s):
Know your Chang'e-6: Chinese flag on moon's far side made of basalt
cgtn.com
