📷 Image Credits: CGTN
The Chang’e-6 lunar probe, part of China’s ambitious space program, recently made history by unfurling the Chinese national flag on the far side of the moon. The mission, which involved extracting rock and soil samples from the lunar surface, marks a significant milestone in China’s space exploration efforts. The flag, made of basalt fibers, is a symbol of China’s presence on the moon and could last over 10,000 years due to its resistance to harsh lunar conditions. This achievement showcases China’s technological prowess in space exploration and sets the stage for future lunar missions.
The Chang’e-6 probe, launched last month, successfully landed on the moon and collected samples using drilling and surface collection techniques. The samples were then stowed inside a container onboard the ascender of the probe, which is scheduled to return to Earth in the deserts of China’s Inner Mongolia region by June 25. The spacecraft has undergone rigorous testing, including a high-temperature test on the lunar surface, to ensure the safe retrieval of the lunar samples.
The mission’s landing site, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, is an impact crater that is over 4 billion years old and holds valuable insights into the moon’s geological history. The Chang’e-6 mission, part of China’s Chang’e moon exploration program, is aimed at advancing scientific knowledge about the moon and the solar system. With plans to establish a lunar research base in the future, China’s space ambitions are at the forefront of global space exploration initiatives. Stay tuned for more updates on China’s space program and its continued efforts to explore the mysteries of the moon and beyond.