Published scientific papers or CNSA press releases

China's Chang'e-6 Successfully Transfers Lunar Samples from Moon's Far Side for Return to Earth

Jun 6, 2024, 07:27 AM

China's Chang'e-6 mission has successfully collected and transferred the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon. The mission, which marks a historic achievement in lunar exploration, involved the Chang'e-6 probe gathering lunar samples and then taking off from the moon's surface. The samples were transferred to an orbiter-returner combination in lunar orbit. The transfer took place at 06:48 UTC on June 6, and the samples were moved at 07:24 UTC, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The mission also saw the unfurling of China's national flag on the moon's far side, leaving a patriotic mark. The Chang'e-6 mission aims to provide new insights into the history and formation of the moon. The samples are now set to return to Earth, with the journey expected to begin in approximately two weeks.