China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has achieved a historic milestone by returning to Earth with the first-ever rock and soil samples collected from the Moon’s unexplored far side. After a daring 53-day mission fraught with risks, the return vehicle successfully touched down in the Inner Mongolia desert at 2:07 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
The far side of the Moon—technically challenging to reach due to its distance from Earth—has remained largely unexplored. Its rugged terrain, dotted with giant craters and few flat surfaces, has intrigued scientists. Now, with the Chang’e-6 mission, China has become the only country to land on this mysterious lunar hemisphere twice—having previously done so in 2019.
Why the Far Side of Moon?
Scientists are eager to study the far side because it offers unique insights into planetary formation. The samples retrieved by Chang’e-6 could answer key questions about how planets, including our own Earth, are born. Additionally, researchers hope to find traces of ice on the far side, which can be harvested for water, oxygen, and hydrogen—a valuable resource for future lunar exploration.
Chang’e-6’s Amazing Journey
The Chang’e-6 probe blasted off from a space center in early May and successfully landed near a crater close to the Moon’s south pole a few weeks later. Equipped with a drill and a robotic arm, it scooped up soil and rocks, captured surface photos, and even planted a Chinese flag.
Unlocking Lunar Mysteries
Catherine Heymans, the astronomer royal for Scotland, expressed excitement about the successful landing. She emphasized that the geological activity on the Moon differs significantly between the near side (the side facing Earth) and the far side. Understanding these differences could shed light on the Moon’s formation 4.5 billion years ago. Was it a result of a collision with an early version of Earth? The samples brought back by Chang’e-6 may hold the answers.
China’s Ambitious Space Program
China’s space program has made significant strides over the past decade, aiming to catch up with the United States and Russia. President Xi Jinping congratulated the mission’s command center, expressing hope that China would continue exploring deep space and unraveling the mysteries of the universe for the benefit of humanity.
