China's ambitious Chang'e-6 mission is approaching the final leg of its 53-day journey, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration. The lunar probe has successfully completed over 70% of its 380,000-kilometer voyage back to Earth, carrying the first-ever batch of samples from the moon's enigmatic far side.
Scheduled to land in Siziwang Banner, located in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the return capsule is set to enter Earth's atmosphere on Tuesday. This momentous event concludes a complex mission that included landing on the moon, collecting samples, ascending, docking, and making the return journey.
Optical and radio observations from civilian and amateur organizations, such as the German Amateur Radio Satellite Organization, have confirmed the Chang'e-6 return capsule's trajectory towards Earth. Before re-entry, the capsule will employ a special technique to reduce its high speed, ensuring a safe and precise landing.
The recovery of these samples from the moon's far side will provide scientists with invaluable insights into the moon's composition and geological history. Understanding the differences between the near and far sides of the moon can shed light on the early history of our solar system.
On June 18, Space.com reported that NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) had observed Chang'e-6 near a 50-meter-wide crater on the moon's far side. Mark Robinson, the principal investigator of the LRO's advanced camera system, highlighted the strategic location of the probe, which was discovered by the LRO on June 7.
As Chang'e-6 prepares to make its historic return, the mission underscores China's growing prowess in space exploration and its commitment to advancing our understanding of the moon.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
