BEIJING, June 5, 2024 – China’s Chang’e-6 probe has accomplished a significant milestone by departing from the far side of the moon, marking a crucial step towards bringing back samples from this unexplored region. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Tuesday the successful lift-off of the probe at 7:38 am local time.
This achievement positions China closer to being the first nation to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon, which perpetually faces away from Earth. Chang’e-6, following its departure, has begun its journey back to Earth after completing its sample collection from June 2-3.
Operating without direct communication with ground stations on Earth posed an additional technical challenge for Chang’e-6 compared to its predecessor, Chang’e-5, which collected samples from the near side of the moon. To overcome this hurdle, the probe relied on the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, deployed into orbit in April, for communication.
Using advanced equipment including a drill and robotic arm, Chang’e-6 excavated soil from both the surface and subsurface layers of the moon. Upon successful sample acquisition, the probe proudly displayed China’s national flag on the far side of the moon, as reported by Beijing Daily.
Currently, Chang’e-6 orbits the moon and will rendezvous with another spacecraft in orbit, as confirmed by CNSA. The collected samples are scheduled to be transferred to a return module, which is anticipated to land in China’s Inner Mongolia region around June 25.
China’s ambitious lunar exploration program continues to make strides, demonstrating the nation’s growing capabilities and commitment to space exploration.
