BEIJING, Apr.30 (INP): China is poised to launch a robotic spacecraft, Chang’e 6, in the coming days for a groundbreaking mission to the far side of the moon. This mission will not only mark a significant step in lunar exploration but also highlight the collaborative efforts of multiple nations in advancing scientific knowledge. The Chang’e 6 mission will carry payloads, including satellites, from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan, underscoring the international cooperation in lunar exploration.  It is the first of three ambitious missions planned by China, aimed at laying the groundwork for future crewed landings and the establishment of a lunar base, particularly at the moon's south pole.

In 2020, China achieved a historic milestone by successfully retrieving samples from the moon's near side, demonstrating its capability to safely bring back an uncrewed spacecraft from the lunar surface after more than four decades.  Now, with the upcoming Chang’e 6 mission, China seeks to explore the untouched terrain of the moon's far side. The mission faces unique challenges, as the far side of the moon lacks direct communication with Earth. Chang’e 6 will rely on a newly deployed relay satellite orbiting the moon to facilitate communication during its 53-day mission, which includes the unprecedented task of ascending from the moon's hidden side on its journey back to Earth.

The significance of Chang’e 6 extends beyond technological prowess. By collecting samples from the moon's far side, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into the early evolution of the moon and the inner solar system.  Unlike the near side, the far side has experienced minimal volcanic activity, preserving materials crucial for understanding the moon's formation. Until now, lunar samples obtained by the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China were predominantly from the moon's near side, characterized by extensive volcanic activity.  Chang’e 6 aims to broaden our understanding by retrieving approximately 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of samples using a mechanical scoop and drill upon a successful landing. With the Chang’e 6 mission on the horizon, anticipation mounts for the scientific discoveries that await, further enriching our understanding of the moon's history and the mysteries of the cosmos.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China