China’s Chang’e-6 probe has successfully transferred lunar samples collected from the moon’s far side to a spacecraft in lunar orbit.
This spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth, landing in Inner Mongolia on June 25. If successful, China will be the first nation to retrieve samples from the moon’s far side, a significant milestone in space exploration.
The Chang’e-6 mission has been a source of national pride in China. Thousands of tourists gathered to witness its launch, and its progress has been closely followed on social media. The mission aims to provide valuable insights into the origins of the solar system.
The mission’s success highlights China’s growing capabilities in space exploration, sparking concerns from the U.S. about a space race.
NASA chief Bill Nelson has urged China to be more transparent about its space activities, while Chinese officials emphasize the mission’s contribution to the peaceful use of outer space.