Official reports from CNSA and participating international space agencies

China's Uncrewed Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe Lands on Far Side of Moon on June 2, Collects Samples

Jun 3, 2024, 09:15 AM

China's uncrewed Chang'e-6 lunar probe successfully landed on the far side of the moon, specifically in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, on June 2, 2024. This marks a historic milestone as it is the first mission to collect samples from this rarely explored region. The mission aims to retrieve rock and soil samples to help answer key questions about the early evolution of the solar system. The probe, which was launched on May 3, 2024, has begun its journey back to Earth after collecting the samples. The mission also included an orbiter, a lander, an ascender, and a returner, with international collaboration involving instruments from Sweden, France, and Italy onboard. Additionally, the Chinese national flag was unfurled on the lunar surface for the first time. The Chang'e-6 mission is part of China's broader lunar exploration program, which aims to advance the country's space capabilities and contribute to global scientific research. The probe utilized advanced drilling technologies to collect the samples.