China’s Chang’e-6 probe returns with first samples of the far side of the Moon

The dark side of the Moon is about to reveal some of its secrets after centuries of fascinating work by scientists, artists and poets. Yesterday at 14:07 (local time), the Chinese module of the Chang’e-6 probe accurately and delicately landed in the designated area of ​​Inner Mongolia using parachutes loaded with two kilograms of rocks and dust from the Earth. satellite. An unprecedented mission, which is expected to provide answers to questions about the formation of the Moon, our planet and the solar system, ended to the applause of those gathered. This mission makes China the first country to collect lunar samples from the far side of Earth’s natural satellite.

Its success puts China at the forefront of the space race, whose population has been captivated by the adventures of the unmanned Chang’e-6 probe since its departure on May 3. President Xi Jinping congratulated the team on “another achievement in building a strong country in space, science and technology.” “Your outstanding contribution will forever be remembered by the country and its people,” he promised. China already landed a robot on the far side of the moon five years ago as part of the Chang’e-4 mission, and no one has succeeded until now.

Chang’e 6, named after the Chinese moon goddess, launched two months ago from the tropical island of Hainan aboard China’s most advanced rocket, the Long March 5, which arrived at the moon five days later and orbited it about a few weeks before landing with a delicate 14-minute descent. Unable to make direct contact with Earth, the probe used cameras and a laser scanner to avoid accidents. The robotic researcher drilled into the surface with a drill and collected the material with his hand. Two days later, he returned to the ship to orbit the Moon again before returning. The mission was completed in 53 days, planned by scientists and experts of the Asian giant.