Beijing, June 5 (Reuters) – In a historic leap towards lunar exploration, China’s Chang’e-6 probe has successfully commenced its journey back to Earth from the far side of the moon, marking a significant milestone for the country’s space ambitions.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Tuesday that the probe, which departed the moon at 7:38 a.m. local time, has completed its sample collection mission, conducted from June 2-3. This achievement positions China on the brink of becoming the first nation to retrieve samples from the enigmatic far side of the moon, perpetually veiled from Earth’s view.
Facing the additional challenge of operating without direct communications with ground stations on Earth, Chang’e-6 relied on the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, orbiting since April, for crucial communications support. The probe utilized a drill and robotic arm to excavate soil both on and beneath the moon’s surface, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua.
Highlighting the patriotic fervor accompanying the mission, Chang’e-6 proudly unfurled China’s national flag on the lunar surface after the successful sample acquisition, a moment commemorated by the Beijing Daily.
According to CNSA, the probe is currently in lunar orbit and is set to rendezvous with another spacecraft in orbit. Subsequently, the collected samples will be transferred to a return module, slated for a homecoming landing in China’s Inner Mongolia region around June 25.
Chang’e-6’s triumphant departure heralds a significant leap forward in China’s space exploration endeavors, showcasing the nation’s prowess in navigating the complexities of extraterrestrial exploration. As the world watches with bated breath, China edges ever closer to unraveling the mysteries of our celestial neighbor, the moon.