For the first time in history, the Chinese Chang'e-6 probe was able to take soil samples from the far side of the Moon (3 photos + 1 video)
The spacecraft is already on its way to Earth.
The Chinese Chang'e-6 probe has successfully collected soil samples from the far side of the Moon and is already moving towards Earth, reports the China National Space Administration (CNSA). For the first time in history, scientists will be able to study the soil from the invisible side of the Earth's satellite.
It is noted that the Chang'e-6 lifting apparatus collected soil samples in a given area from June 2 to June 3. The probe withstood the test of temperature differences and overcame lighting and power supply challenges, CNSA said. The space agency added that thanks to two drilling methods and a robotic measuring arm, the device was able to collect the best soil samples.
Chang'e 6 landed on the morning of June 2 in the largest known lunar crater - in the South Pole-Aitken basin
The automatic interplanetary station Chang'e-6, consisting of an orbital, landing, take-off and return modules, was launched on May 3 from the Wenchang Cosmodrome. The duration of the mission, half of which was very successful, is approximately 53 days. All that remains is to wait for the return vehicle on Earth.
Let us add that, as part of the previous Chang'e-5 mission, China delivered soil to Earth from the visible side of the Moon in 2020. Previously, lunar rock was delivered to Earth back in 1976 - as part of the Soviet Luna-24 program.