The Chinese Chang’e-6 probe delivered the first samples of the far side of the Moon to Earth

He dark side of the Moon is about to reveal some of its secrets after centuries of fascinating work by scientists, artists and poets. This Tuesday at 14:07 (local time), Chinese probe module Chang’e 6 loaded two kilograms of stones and dust satellite of the Earth. In conclusion, to the applause of those gathered, he unprecedented mission which is expected to give answers about the formation of the Moon, our planet and the solar system. This mission makes China the first country to collect lunar samples from the far side of Earth’s natural satellite.

The work of the Chang’e-6 probe is expected to provide answers to questions about the formation of the Moon, Earth and Solar System.

Success puts him at the forefront space race to China, whose population is hooked on adventure Unmanned probe “Chang’e-6” since he left on May 3rd. The 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.

Chinese scientists will study the samples together with their international partners and then share them with the entire scientific community.

Chang’e 6, named after the Chinese moon goddess, blasted off two months ago from the tropical island of Hainan aboard Long March 5, China’s most advanced rocket, which arrived at the moon five days later. and orbited it for weeks before landing in 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. Mission accomplished in 53 days planned.

More craters and less seas

The far side of the Moon has intrigued the scientific community after grainy black-and-white photographs taken by a Russian probe in 1959 revealed it to be unlike what is seen from Earth. His bark seems thicker, hers more craters and less seas

. Chinese probe lands on the moon Aitken Basin, a huge crater 1,600 kilometers wide, formed by an impact that occurred about four billion years ago. It is unknown why the two sides are so different, and the material collected could explain this. Chinese scientists will study the samples together with their international partners and then share them with the entire scientific community.

Analysis of the samples will allow us to measure the possibilities of human settlement on the Moon

Its analysis will also make it possible to assess the possibilities of human settlement on the Moon. Material from its surface could be used to build the building blocks of future scientific bases using 3D printing and gases such as helium, oxygen or hydrogen, experts say. China’s space program aims to send its taconauts and build a base at the South Pole in 2030, taking advantage of its supposed ice reserves.

Four years before the astronauts POT, if his plans come to fruition, in the first attempt to return to the moon in half a century. Madness began on the satellite. India landed its first ship there last year, Russia failed and Japan succeeded this year.

China and the United States are reliving that cosmic impulse of the Cold War between China and the Soviet Union, which measured its hegemony on Earth by the stars. Now there is also no shortage of mistrust, especially on the American side. The ban on China’s participation in the creation of its space station with unfounded accusations of military espionage pushed an offended Beijing to create its own. When an American retires, he will be the only one active.