China has set on a mission to uncover the mysteries of the Moon’s far side, launching the Chang’e-6 probe from the Wenchang Space Launch Center
The unmanned rocket, carrying this new spacecraft, took off at approximately 17:27 local time, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
Going to the ‘Dark Side’
Over 53 days, Chang’e-6 aims to acquire approximately two kilograms of lunar samples from the previously unexplored far side. Unlike the side visible from Earth, this region, often referred to as the “dark side,” has a distinct geological landscape characterised by a thicker, older crust and a lot of craters.
These features, less obscured by ancient lava flows, hold the potential to unveil crucial insights into the Moon’s formation.
The Chang’e-6 probe
Named after the revered Moon goddess of Chinese mythology, Chang’e-6 is set to touch down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an extensive stretch covering 2,500 kilometres in width and up to 8 kilometres in depth.
Once landed, the probe will conduct experiments and gather lunar soil and rocks, paving the way for a deeper understanding of lunar geology.
The first mission of three
This mission represents the first of three ambitious lunar expeditions planned by China within this decade. Following Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 is set to explore the lunar south pole in search of water resources, while Chang’e-8 will assess the feasibility of establishing the International Lunar Research Station, a proposed base for scientific endeavours on the Moon.
Five years ago China achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first to successfully land a rover on the Moon’s far side. This ongoing endeavour shows China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration program, positioning itself as a tough contender alongside traditional space powers like the United States.
Looking ahead, China has set ambitious goals for its space program. By 2030, the nation aims to deploy its first astronauts to the lunar surface and dispatch probes to collect samples from Mars and Jupiter.
