China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe is set to return to Earth with groundbreaking samples from the moon’s far side, potentially unlocking secrets about the early solar system’s evolution.
Launched on May 3, 2024, the probe successfully landed in the South-Pole Aitken Basin, a region previously unexplored by any mission. Within a 14-hour window, the probe collected 2 kg of lunar material, anticipated to provide crucial insights into the epoch of heavy bombardment that shaped the solar system.
James Carpenter of the European Space Agency emphasized the significance of these samples, suggesting they could confirm the impact of this period on both the moon and Earth.
The Chang’e-6 mission highlights international collaboration, involving researchers from Italy, France, Pakistan, and Europe, showcasing China’s expanding role in global space exploration.
The collected samples are expected to arrive in Inner Mongolia around June 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the quest to understand our solar system’s origins.
