Produced by: Tarun Mishra
China's Chang'e 6 mission is nearing its departure from lunar orbit, set to bring back valuable samples from the far side of the moon.
Over 200 Chinese scientists recently convened in Beijing to discuss the geological significance of the Chang'e 6 landing area, aiding in the preparation of research proposals.
Chang'e 6's lander-ascender combination safely landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on June 1, collecting samples over two days before launching back to the orbiter on June 3.
The samples are now orbiting the moon within Chang'e 6's return module, awaiting their journey back to Earth. The return capsule is expected to land in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on June 25.
European ground stations, such as ESA's Kourou station in French Guiana and Maspalomas station in Spain, are providing tracking and communication support for the mission.
James Carpenter from ESA highlights the potential for Chang'e 6 samples to enhance humanity's understanding of lunar formation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration.
Carpenter praises China's ambitious lunar exploration plan, including future missions like Chang'e 7 and Chang'e 8, as well as plans for human presence and a lunar research station.
The international community eagerly awaits the scientific outcomes of China's lunar missions and looks forward to opportunities for collaboration.
As Chang'e 6 concludes its 53-day space mission, researchers anticipate groundbreaking discoveries from the far side of the moon.