The Chinese probe carrying samples from the far side of the Moon has successfully returned to Earth after a 53-day mission, reported by Chinese state TV CCTV. This mission was considered the world’s first of its kind, showcasing advanced technical complexity. The spacecraft Chang’e-6 landed in Inner Mongolia, Northern China, with precious gifts in the form of soil and rocks from the previously unexplored region of the Moon. This achievement marks China as the first country capable of collecting lunar samples from the far side of Earth’s natural satellite.
The Beijing Space Agency had announced the return of the probe on June 25 without giving a specific arrival time. The orbiter released the reentry module with samples into Earth’s orbit before landing successfully at the planned area. The mission provides scientists with an opportunity to study the little-known region of the Moon, which could offer valuable insights into its formation and evolution over time. Chang’e-6 was launched from Hainan province’s space center on May 3 and made its descent into the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin nearly a month later, collecting samples and taking photos of the surface.
This historic mission has opened up new possibilities for lunar exploration and research, showcasing China’s capabilities in space exploration. The samples collected from the far side of the Moon could hold valuable information that may help scientists better understand the Moon’s history and significance in our solar system. The success of this mission highlights China’s growing presence in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge for the benefit of humanity.