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Chinese Spacecraft Returns from Lunar Far Side with Samples
After a brief visit to the Moon’s far side, the Chang’e 6 spacecraft, part of China’s ambitious space program, is now on its way back to Earth carrying valuable lunar rock and dust samples. The mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon, marks another significant milestone for China’s space exploration efforts.
Exploring the Moon’s Far Side
The Chang’e 6 mission’s ascent vehicle took off from the Aitken Basin on the lunar south pole, lifting off on Monday at 7:38 p.m. ET (7:38 a.m. Beijing time on Tuesday). The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has confirmed that the spacecraft is en route back to Earth.
Launched from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on May 3, Chang’e 6 reached the Moon nearly a month later. The spacecraft landed on the Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest impact crater on the Moon’s far side. This location is of particular interest to scientists as it may contain exposed parts of the Moon’s mantle, offering insights into the celestial body’s formation.
By collecting samples from the Aitken Basin, the mission aims to shed light on early impacts that shaped both Earth and the Moon. Scientists also hope to uncover why the far side of the Moon differs significantly from its near side counterpart.
Sample Collection and Return
After spending two days on the lunar surface, a section of the spacecraft separated from the lander and entered lunar orbit. The ascent vehicle is now set to dock with the mission’s service module in orbit, which will transfer the samples to a capsule bound for Earth. The spacecraft is expected to deliver approximately 2,000 grams of lunar materials back to our planet on June 25.
This mission follows the success of China’s Chang’e 5, which recently made history by returning lunar samples to Earth for the first time in over 40 years. With Chang’e 6, China aims to be the first country to retrieve samples from the Moon’s far side, a region known for its dense concentration of impact craters and unique geological features.
Unlike the near side of the Moon, which is characterized by large dark seas of cooled lava, the far side remains relatively unexplored. The samples gathered by Chang’e 6 could provide crucial insights into the Moon’s history and the origins of Earth’s natural satellite.
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