– Chinese probe takes off from the Moon with samples
The Chinese Chang’e 6 probe has collected samples from the far side of the Moon. They are now on their way to Earth.
The probe’s mission, with a planned duration of 53 days, began on May 3, with the particular objective of collecting samples.
AFP
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The ascent module of the Chinese Chang’e 6 probe successfully took off from the lunar surface on Tuesday, carrying samples of the far side, a first, state media reported.
The ascent module “of the Chinese probe Chang’e-6 took off from the lunar surface Tuesday morning carrying samples collected on the far side of the Moon, an unprecedented feat in the history of human lunar exploration” , indicated the official Xinhua news agency, citing the Chinese Space Administration.
Chang’e 6 landed on Sunday in the immense South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the largest known impact craters in the solar system, located on the far side, according to the space administration.
Chinese flag
The probe’s mission, with a planned duration of 53 days, began on May 3, with the particular objective of collecting samples. To do this, it has a drill to recover samples from below the surface, and an arm to catch material directly from the surface.
After successfully collecting samples, “a Chinese national flag carried by the lander was deployed for the first time on the far side of the Moon,” reported Xinhua.
Scientists believe that the far side of the Moon – so called because it is invisible from Earth and not because it never captures the Sun’s rays – is very promising for research, because its craters are less covered by ancient lava flows than those on the visible side.
Samples taken from the far side could provide a better understanding of how Earth’s natural satellite was formed.
AFP
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