China is scheduled to launch its Chang'e-7 mission to the lunar south pole region in 2026, while Chang'e-8 will be launched in 2028 to carry out tests aimed at utilization of lunar resources in preparation for the lunar research station, Chinese space authorities said earlier this year. China's Chang'e-6 probe transferred samples it collected from the moon's far side to a spacecraft in lunar orbit on Thursday, state news agency Xinhua reported.
After receiving the samples, the uncrewed spacecraft will fly back to Earth, with an expected landing in China's Inner Mongolia region on June 25. If successful, China will be the first country to ever return lunar matter from the side of the moon that permanently faces away from Earth. The Chang'e-6 probe took off from the moon's far side after spending two days on the surface digging up samples. While on the moon, the probe unfurled a Chinese flag made of basalt, a material that is abundant on the lunar surface, Xinhua said.
The mission has been a source of national pride in China. The probe's launch in May drew thousands of tourists to the southern island province of Hainan and its every subsequent move, from landing on the moon's far side to the return journey to Earth, has been a viral item on Chinese social media.
11 сен 2024
