China says to share part of lunar samples with scientists from other countries

Researchers work around Chang'e-5 lunar return capsule carrying moon samples next to a Chinese national flag, after it landed in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, December 17, 2020. China Daily via REUTERS

China plans to share data and samples that the Chang'e 5 probe obtained during its recent mission to the moon, based on international cooperation conventions, said the deputy head of the country's space agency on Thursday.

The lunar samples will be mainly used for scientific research, Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration, told a press briefing.

Wu Yanhua, deputy director of the National Space Administration and deputy chief commander of the lunar exploration project, speaks during a news conference in Beijing, China, December 17, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

(Reporting by Gabriel Crossley; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)