Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Chang’e-6, a crucial mission in China's lunar exploration program, is scheduled for a lunar landing attempt this weekend. This milestone marks a significant step in China's efforts to collect the first samples from the far side of the moon.
Launched on May 3, Chang’e-6 entered lunar orbit after four days. It has since awaited optimal conditions for its landing endeavor. The mission aims to explore the scientifically intriguing far side of the moon, which remains hidden from Earth's view.
The mission targets a landing in the southern region of Apollo crater within the expansive South Pole-Aitken basin. This area holds vital clues about the moon's history and composition.
The landing is scheduled for approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, June 1 (0000 UTC June 2), with meticulous timing aligned with suitable lighting conditions on the lunar surface.
If successful, the lander will commence drilling and scooping up materials from the surface. These samples, expected to weigh up to 2,000 grams, will be loaded into an ascent vehicle for transport back to lunar orbit.
Chinese scientists express enthusiasm about analysing the collected samples, anticipating valuable insights into lunar geology and history. The mission holds promise for uncovering new findings about volcanic activity and lunar composition.
The mission involves international collaboration, with payloads developed by entities from Sweden, France, and Italy. This reflects the global interest and cooperation in lunar exploration endeavours.
Chang’e-6 aims to build upon the success of previous lunar missions, such as Chang’e-5, which collected valuable samples despite minor technical challenges. China's broader lunar ambitions include establishing a permanent lunar base as part of the International Lunar Research Station program.
China's lunar exploration roadmap includes upcoming missions like Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 to the moon's south pole, leading towards a crewed lunar mission by 2030. These initiatives mark significant strides towards advancing our understanding of the moon and laying the groundwork for future lunar exploration endeavours.