China Makes History: Retrieving Samples from the Dark Side of the Moon through Chang’e 6 Automated Mission

On June 25, China made history by becoming the first country to retrieve soil and rock samples from the enigmatic dark side of the Moon through the Chang’e 6 automated mission. The lunar sample capsule touched down in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region at 1:07 p.m. on that day. The Chang’e 6 spacecraft consisted of four modules: the lunar lander, sample transport compartment, orbiter, and orbital launch vehicle. It launched on May 3, reached lunar orbit five days later and landed inside the Apollo crater on the dark side of the Moon on June 1st.

The lander collected approximately 2 kg of lunar samples using shovels and drills which were then transferred to the orbital launch vehicle on June 3rd. The orbiting spacecraft carrying the sample capsule returned to Earth on June 21st before successfully landing on June 25th. This achievement is noteworthy as it marks the first time samples have been retrieved from the dark side of the Moon- a region that is difficult to explore due to limited visibility. China’s previous mission, Chang’e 5 in 2020, also retrieved samples from the Moon but from the bright side.

The newly acquired samples could provide valuable insights into early solar system history. Scientists are particularly interested in studying the South Pole Aitken depression and formation of SPA crater which may shed light on life’s origin on earth. The success of this mission has paved way for future exploration of dark side of moon; with China planning to launch Chang’e 7 and 8 in coming years. Chang’e 8 will focus on testing technology needed to establish a lunar base near south pole in next decade.