China is set to launch its Chang’e-6 mission, aiming to collect the first lunar far side samples in a historic milestone for the country’s space exploration efforts. The mission, which will land on the far side of the moon, aims to collect up to 2,000 grams of lunar material and return it to Earth.
Scheduled for an early Friday launch on May 3, the Chang’e-6 mission targets the southern portion of the Apollo crater on the lunar far side within the South Pole-Aitken basin. This mission builds upon China’s previous lunar missions and is poised to achieve breakthroughs in technology and sample return from the far side of the moon.
The Long March 5 rocket, in good condition, will be utilized for the launch of the Chang’e-6 probe. The spacecraft will consist of four spacecraft totaling around 8,200 kilograms to achieve its ambitious goals. Additionally, the mission will include international scientific payloads from France, Sweden, Italy, and Pakistan, showcasing China’s dedication to fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
China’s broader goals in space exploration include a crewed lunar mission by 2030 and establishing a permanent lunar base through the International Lunar Research Station program in the 2030s. With the Chang’e-6 mission, China is taking significant steps towards achieving its ambitious space exploration objectives and solidifying its position as a key player in the global space community.
