China Launches Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe to Retrieve Samples from Moon's Far Side

China is set to make history on Friday with the launch of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. The uncrewed mission aims to collect and return samples from the far side of the moon, a feat never before accomplished by any nation. If successful, Chang'e-6 will mark a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program and its goal of landing astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030.

Why this matters: This mission demonstrates China's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to becoming a leading space power, which could have significant implications for the global space industry and international cooperation. The success of Chang'e-6 could also pave the way for further lunar exploration and potential resource extraction, raising questions about the governance and regulation of space activities.

The Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket carrying the 8.35-metric-ton Chang'e-6 robotic probe is scheduled to lift off between 5:17 a.m. and 6:18 a.m. ET (0917 GMT and 1018 GMT). The 53-day mission will see the probe enter lunar orbit before sending a lander and ascender to the moon's surface in the South Pole-Aitken basin, a vast impact crater formed over 4 billion years ago. By collecting samples from this ancient region, scientists hope to gain new insights into the moon's geological history and evolution.

"Chang'e 6 aims to achieve breakthroughs in the design and control technology of the moon's retrograde orbit, intelligent sampling, takeoff and ascent technologies, and automatic sample-return on the far side of the moon," said Ge Ping, deputy director of the Center of Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering for the China National Space Administration.

The mission's complex nature is further highlighted by its reliance on the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, launched in March 2024, to enable communication between the spacecraft and Earth. The far side of the moon never faces Earth directly, making direct communication impossible. Queqiao-2, along with two experimental satellites, will serve as a vital link for the Chang'e-6 probe and future lunar missions.

China's lunar exploration program has made major breakthroughs in recent years, with the successful Chang'e-4 mission landing on the far side of the moon in 2019 and Chang'e-5 returning samples from the near side in 2020. The Chang'e-6missionbuilds upon these achievements, paving the way for the more ambitious Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions in 2026 and 2028, respectively. These future missions aim to explore the moon's south pole for water resources and establish a rudimentary lunar outpost in collaboration with Russia.

The rapid advancement of China's space program has raised concerns among U.S. officials, with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson suggesting that China might claim any water resources discovered on the moon as its own. In response, Chinese officials have emphasized their commitment to international cooperation and the peaceful exploration of space.

Chang'e-6 mission prepares for launch, the world eagerly awaits the scientific discoveries and technological advancements it may bring. The mission's success would not only solidify China's position as a leading space power but also contribute to humanity's collective understanding of Earth's celestial neighbor. With the eyes of the world upon it, China's space program continues to venture into uncharted territories, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.

Key Takeaways

• China's Chang'e-6 mission aims to collect and return samples from the far side of the moon.
• If successful, it will be a historic first for any nation.
• The 53-day mission will explore the moon's South Pole-Aitken basin.
• Chang'e-6 will rely on the Queqiao-2 relay satellite for communication.
• The mission marks a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program.