Produced by: Tarun Mishra
China's Chang'e 6 mission achieves another milestone by transferring the first-ever samples collected from the far side of the moon to the return-to-Earth module while in lunar orbit.
The rendezvous and docking between the probe's ascender and orbital module are successfully executed, marking the second time a China National Space Administration (CNSA) spacecraft accomplishes lunar orbit rendezvous and docking after Chang'e 5.
Chang'e 6 made a historic soft landing in the unexplored Apollo Basin crater within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, becoming the second mission to achieve this feat on the far side of the moon.
China remains the only country to accomplish a soft landing on the far side of the moon, following the success of the Chang'e 4 mission.
Live footage of the docking procedure is broadcasted on the CNSA's Weibo account and shared through the CNSA Watcher X feed, providing insight into the intricate process.
The transfer of lunar soil samples from the ascender to the return-to-Earth module requires meticulous planning due to the significant weight difference between the two spacecraft.
The rendezvous and docking employ a method involving careful alignment and locking of the spacecraft, ensuring a secure transfer of the sample container.
Following the sample transfer, the ascender separates from the orbiter, which will continue orbiting the moon until the optimal window for returning to Earth. The sample return canister is expected to parachute back to Earth on June 25, with hopes of unravelling mysteries about the moon's far side.