📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
China’s Chang’e 6 probe has successfully returned to Earth on June 25, 2024, with rock and soil samples from the little-explored far side of the moon. The probe landed in northern China, specifically in the Inner Mongolian region, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration. This historic event, conducted by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), is the first mission to collect samples from the moon’s far side, offering valuable insights into lunar geology. The samples retrieved by the probe, including 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock and other materials, hold the potential to answer critical questions about the geological differences between the moon’s near and far sides. The far side of the moon, which faces outer space and is not visible from Earth, is known to feature mountains and impact craters, contrasting with the relatively flat expanses on the near side. By collecting samples from this unexplored region, Chinese scientists aim to understand the geologic processes that have shaped both sides of the moon, shedding light on fundamental scientific inquiries in lunar science research. The Chang’e 6 probe, which departed from Earth on May 3, embarked on a 53-day journey that culminated in the successful return of samples from the moon’s far side. Zongyu Yue, a geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the significance of the returned samples in unraveling the mysteries of lunar geology. The mission’s completion was declared a success by Zhang Kejian, Director of the China National Space Administration, during a televised news conference following the probe’s return to Earth. China’s achievements in lunar exploration, including previous missions such as Chang’e 5, highlight the nation’s growing prowess in space exploration and technological advancements. In a message of congratulations, Chinese leader Xi Jinping lauded the Chang’e team for their landmark achievement, positioning China as a key player in the global space arena. The successful reentry of the Chang’e 6 probe signals the beginning of extensive scientific analysis on the collected samples, with expectations of uncovering insights into the moon’s geologic history and potential meteorite impacts. As the world eagerly awaits the findings derived from these lunar samples, China’s continued advancements in space missions underscore its commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
