China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has successfully landed on the Moon’s far side to collect samples, marking a significant milestone in Beijing’s space program, state news agency Xinhua reported. The probe touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest impact craters in the solar system.
Historic sample collection mission
The mission, which began on May 3, aims to collect samples from this rarely explored region of the Moon. The Chang’e-6 will gather lunar soil and rocks using a drill and a robotic arm. The collection process is expected to be completed within two days. This marks the first time samples will be collected from the Moon’s far side.
Scientific significance
The Moon’s far side, often called the “dark side” because it is never visible from Earth, holds significant research potential. Its craters are less affected by ancient lava flows compared to the nearby side, potentially offering new insights into the Moon’s formation.
China’s space ambitions
Under President Xi Jinping, China has accelerated its “space dream,” investing heavily in its space program. China’s achievements include building the Tiangong space station and landing robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon. China is now the third country to independently put humans in orbit.
China plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and establish a base on the lunar surface. Meanwhile, the United States aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026 with its Artemis 3 mission. Washington has expressed concerns that China’s space endeavors may conceal military objectives and efforts to achieve space dominance.