China’s Chang’e-6 probe has successfully landed on the far side of the Moon, marking a historic moment in human exploration. The probe will collect samples of dust and stones from the Aitken basin of the South Pole before returning to Earth for study. With the support of relay satellite Queqiao-2, the lander descended to the lunar surface using a complex series of maneuvers.
The module collected images of the landing area and scanned for potential obstacles before landing in a controlled free fall. The probe will use a drill to collect subsoil samples and a robotic arm to gather surface pieces, providing valuable information about the Moon’s formation. This mission is part of China’s larger Chang’e exploration program, which has made significant technological advances and carries international scientific payloads.
China’s goal is to launch a manned mission to the Moon by 2030 and build a base for continued scientific exploration. In addition to its scientific mission, the probe also carried a Pakistani satellite for exploration activities. This move represents a significant step forward in studying Earth’s natural satellite and establishes China as a key player in lunar exploration alongside plans by the United States to return astronauts to the Moon in the near future.
