In a groundbreaking achievement, the Chinese mainland has commenced the return of the world's first lunar samples collected from the far side of the moon, as part of the Chang'e-6 mission, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
The ascender component of the Chang'e-6 spacecraft launched from the moon's surface at 7:48 a.m. Beijing Time. Successfully propelled by a 3000N engine over a six-minute duration, the ascender now docks with the orbiter-returner module, setting the stage for the historic transportation of lunar samples back to Earth.
Launched on May 3rd, the Chang'e-6 probe made its touchdown on the lunar surface on June 2nd. During its 48-day mission, the probe executed intelligent rapid sampling in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a region on the moon's far side known for its unique geological features.
Intelligent Sampling
The mission's advanced sampling techniques allowed for the systematic collection and encapsulation of lunar material into storage devices carried by the ascender. This meticulous process ensures the preservation and integrity of the samples, which will offer invaluable insights into the moon's composition and history.
The successful deployment and operation of Chang'e-6 underscore the growing capabilities of the Chinese mainland's space exploration programs, marking a significant milestone in humanity's quest to understand our celestial neighbor.
Reference(s):
China begins returning world's 1st samples from moon's far side
cgtn.com
