China's “Chang'e-6” spacecraft successfully landed in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, delivering soil samples from the far side of the Moon to Earth for the first time. This grandiose moment was broadcast by China Central Television, “RIA Novosti” reports.
The device was launched on May 3, 2024 from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island and landed at its planned location in the South Pole-Aitken basin on June 2.
“Chang'e 6” collected soil samples from various areas of the surface, including rocks possibly formed 4 billion years ago. These samples will provide scientists with invaluable information about the geological history and composition of the far side of the Moon, which still remains a mystery.
The “Chang'e-6” mission is an important part of the fourth phase of China's lunar program, which also includes the launch of the “Queqiao-2” relay satellite in March 2024. Within the framework of the program, it is planned to send the “Chang'e-7” mission for a comprehensive study of the South Pole of the Moon and “Chang'e-8”, which, in addition to scientific research, will test new technologies on the lunar surface.
