China is set to launch its most complex robotic lunar mission, the Chang'e-6 probe, on Friday from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan island. This mission aims to bring back samples from the far side of the moon for the first time, showcasing China's ambitious space program.
The 53-day mission will see the Chang'e-6 lander touch down in a crater on the moon's far side, providing valuable samples that could offer insights into the moon's evolution and the solar system's history. This mission is a significant step towards China's goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030 and establishing a research base on the lunar south pole.
China's space advancements, including the Chang'e program launched in 2007, have positioned the country as a key player in space exploration. The Chang'e-6 mission builds on the success of previous missions, such as Chang'e-4's landing on the far side of the moon in 2019 and Chang'e-5's return with near-side moon samples in 2020.
To communicate with Earth from the moon's far side, Chang'e-6 will rely on the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched into lunar orbit in March. The probe consists of an orbiter, lander, ascender, and reentry module, showcasing China's technical capabilities in space exploration.
By conducting this mission, China aims to pave the way for future lunar exploration, including sending astronauts to the moon and establishing a research station on the lunar south pole. The Chang'e-6 mission serves as both a scientific endeavor to study the moon's history and a practical exercise for future manned missions to the moon.
Looking ahead, China plans to launch two more missions in the Chang'e series, with Chang'e-7 scheduled for 2026 to search for resources on the moon's south pole and Chang'e-8 to explore the utilization of lunar materials for building a research base. These missions align with China's long-term vision of becoming a leading space power and expanding its presence in lunar exploration.
