China embarked on a historic endeavor as it launched the Chang’e-6 mission, aimed at collecting rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, marking the first such ambitious attempt by any nation.
Successful Launch:
China’s Long March-5, its largest rocket, soared into the skies carrying the Chang’e-6 probe from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan at around 5:27 pm local time. Weighing over eight metric tonnes, the Chang’e-6 probe embarked on its monumental journey, setting a new milestone in space exploration.
International Collaboration:
The launch garnered global attention, with scientists, diplomats, and space agency officials from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency (ESA) witnessing the event. Notably, despite China’s openness to collaboration, no US-based organizations participated due to restrictions imposed by American laws.
Mission Objectives:
Chang’e-6 is tasked with landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, an area seldom explored by previous missions. The primary goal is to collect two kilograms of soil and rocks for comprehensive analysis, shedding light on the mysteries of the lunar surface.
Technological Dependence:
The success of the mission hinges on the relay satellite recently deployed by China, facilitating communication between Earth and the far side of the Moon. Upon separation from the rocket, the probe is expected to reach the Moon in four to five days and commence its ground-breaking exploration.
Expected Timeline:
Chang’e-6 is slated to touch down on the far side of the lunar surface in June, where it will spend approximately two days collecting samples. Following sample collection, the probe will embark on its journey back to Earth, with Inner Mongolia designated as its landing site upon return.
China’s Chang’e-6 mission represents a significant leap forward in lunar exploration, offering unprecedented insights into the geological composition and history of the Moon’s far side. As the world eagerly awaits the results of this pioneering endeavour, China’s strides in space exploration continue to inspire and captivate the imagination of people worldwide.
(With inputs from agencies)
