Rare Moon rocks found after China’s two-month long mission in space
China's lunar probe has returned to Earth, bringing back the first-ever samples from the Moon's unexplored far side.
This achievement makes China the only country to have landed on the Moon's far side, following a previous successful landing in 2019.
The Chang'e-6 mission has become a source of national pride, highlighting China's increased lunar exploration efforts and drawing attention from its rival, the US.
On Tuesday, the Chang'e-6 landed in the Inner Mongolia desert after a nearly two-month mission filled with risks. Scientists eagerly anticipate the samples from Chang’e-6, as they could provide crucial insights into planetary formation. The far side of the Moon, less explored than the near side, is particularly intriguing to scientists because it may contain ice, which can be harvested for water, oxygen, and hydrogen.
Reaching the far side of the Moon poses significant technical challenges due to its distance from Earth and its rough terrain, characterized by giant craters and limited flat surfaces. State media showed officials proudly planting the Chinese flag after the Chang’e-6 capsule's successful landing in Inner Mongolia.
President Xi Jinping called to congratulate the mission team at the command centre, expressing his hope for continued deep space exploration. He encouraged them to "reach new heights in unravelling the mysteries of the universe" for the benefit of humanity and the advancement of the nation.
