China Makes Historic Landing on Moon's Unexplored Region

China Touches Down on Uncharted Lunar Territory

A screen grab of the minutes after the Chang'e 5 lunar probe landed in China on December 17, 2020. China celebrated the safe landing of if its first lunar probe returning with samples from the moon's surface. CGTN Screen Shot

China Makes Historic Landing on Far Side of the Moon: Reaching for Lunar Secrets

Mission Highlights:

• Destination: Far side of the moon (also known as the lunar farside or backside) - a previously unexplored region.
• Spacecraft: Chang'e 6
• Goal: Collect rock and soil samples for the first time ever from this challenging terrain.
• Scientific Significance: Studying these ancient rocks could answer fundamental questions about planetary formation, crust development, and the origin of water in our solar system.

Landing Details:

• Challenges: Rugged terrain, limited communication windows due to the moon's rotation, and the technical complexity of landing on the far side.
• Landing Site: Apollo Basin - chosen for its scientific potential, flat terrain suitable for landing, and good communication conditions.
• Landing Maneuver: Chang'e 6 hovered 300 feet above the surface, using 3D technology for a precise touchdown.

Global Impact:

• This mission marks a significant milestone in China's space program, solidifying their position as a major player in lunar exploration.
• The analysis of these unique lunar samples has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the moon's formation and early history.
• Professor John Pernet-Fisher, a lunar geology expert, emphasizes the excitement surrounding this mission and the potential to unlock fundamental planetary secrets.

Looking Ahead:

• The Chang'e 6 will spend the next three days collecting lunar materials, a process fraught with "engineering innovations, high risks and great difficulty" according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
• This mission builds upon China's previous success with the Chang'e 4 spacecraft, which became the first to land on the lunar farside in 2019.