A Long March 5 rocket, carrying the lunar probe of the Chang’e-6 mission, takes off during rain at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China’s Hainan province, 3 May 2024 .
Hector Rétamal | Afp | Getty Images
China launched a space probe Friday to collect samples from the far side of the Moon in a mission described as “unprecedented” as the global space race intensifies.
An unmanned rocket carrying the Chang’e-6 lunar probe lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province just before 5:30 p.m. local time, kicking off the planned 53-day mission.
The expedition aims to bring approximately 5 pounds of lunar samples back to Earth for analysis. If successful, scientists hope these results could reveal new information about the origins of the Moon.
“Collecting and returning samples from the far side of the Moon is an unprecedented feat,” said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, according to China’s official Xinhua News agency.
Scientists currently know very little about the dark side of the Moon. If the Chang’e-6 mission succeeds in achieving its goal, it will provide scientists with the first direct evidence to understand the environment and material composition of the far side of the Moon, which is of great significance. he added.
The launch marks a significant step forward in China’s space exploration ambitions, as it seeks to compete with other world powers, including the United States.
Beijing has also said it wants to land Chinese astronauts on the Moon by 2030, as well as send probes to Mars and Jupiter.
Space is becoming a new geopolitical frontier as rival nations seek to expand their influence and access highly sought-after reserves of essential metals and minerals.
The head of US Space Command, General Stephen Whiting, said last week that Beijing’s space development was moving at “breakneck speed” and that the country was showing a “clear intent” to project its power into orbit.
cnbc
