Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has released video footage showing its robotic arm meticulously collecting rock and soil samples from the far side of the Moon.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) provided a captivating glimpse into the intricate process of gathering extraterrestrial specimens through this footage.
The footage begins with the Chang’e-6 lander descending onto the lunar surface, kicking up dust as it touches down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
Once securely positioned, the lander’s robotic arm extends with deliberate and precise movements, reaching towards the lunar regolith.
The arm’s scoop-like tool carefully collects surface material, followed by its drill attachment extracting a core sample from beneath the surface.
This successful collection marks a historic milestone as Chang’e-6 is the first mission to retrieve material from the far side of the Moon. Scientists are eagerly awaiting the return of these samples for analysis.
“The far side of the Moon is a true scientific enigma,” said Dr. Katherine Joy, a lunar geologist at the University of Manchester. These samples could provide valuable insights into the Moon’s origins and the early history of our solar system.
The Chang’e-6 mission is a significant milestone for China’s space program, showcasing its growing capabilities and paving the way for more ambitious lunar and planetary missions in the future. “This mission demonstrates China’s increasing prowess in space exploration,” stated Dr. Li Chunlai from the National Astronomical Observatories of China.