China’s Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe Successfully Lands on the Far Side of the Moon
Beijing:
China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully landing on the far side of the Moon, marking a significant advancement in Beijing’s ambitious space program. The state news agency Xinhua reported this historic event on Sunday, emphasizing the probe’s role in collecting lunar samples.
Landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin
The Chang’e-6 probe set down in the vast South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest known impact craters in the solar system. This mission is the first to collect samples from this rarely explored area of the Moon, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Mission Details
- Mission Start Date: May 3
- Mission Duration: 53 days
- Objectives: Collect lunar soil and rocks, conduct experiments in the landing zone
Sample Collection Methods
The probe will complete its sample collection process within two days using two methods:
- Drill: To collect samples from beneath the surface.
- Robotic Arm: To grab specimens from the surface.
Unprecedented Launch from the Moon’s Far Side
After collecting the samples, Chang’e-6 will attempt a groundbreaking launch from the far side of the Moon, which is always facing away from Earth. This side of the Moon, often referred to as the “dark side,” offers unique research opportunities due to its less lava-covered craters.
Significance of the Mission
Scientists believe that the material collected from the Moon’s far side could provide valuable insights into the Moon’s formation. This mission underscores China’s rapid advancements in space exploration, positioning it alongside the United States and Russia.
China’s Space Ambitions
Under President Xi Jinping, China’s “space dream” has accelerated, with substantial investments in various space projects over the past decade. Notable achievements include:
- Tiangong Space Station: Also known as the “Heavenly Palace.”
- Robotic Rovers: Successfully landed on Mars and the Moon.
- Human Spaceflight: China is the third country to independently send humans into orbit.
Future Plans
China aims to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and establish a lunar base. Meanwhile, the United States is planning its own lunar missions, with the Artemis 3 mission scheduled to put astronauts back on the Moon by 2026.
The successful landing of Chang’e-6 on the far side of the Moon marks a significant achievement in China’s space exploration efforts. This mission not only enhances our understanding of the Moon but also highlights China’s growing capabilities and ambitions in the space domain.