Two kilos of samples brought from the Moon

China’s Chang’e-6 mission collected the samples. There are two kilograms of samples brought back from the Moon. The container arrived on Earth on June 25. “The samples brought back by Chang’e-6 were more viscous compared to previous samples, with the presence of lumps,” said Ge Ping. He is deputy director of the Chinese Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center.

Researchers will then store and process the lunar samples. They will soon begin scientific research work.

Two kilos of samples brought back from the Moon will soon be analyzed.
Two kilos of samples brought back from the Moon will soon be analyzed.

Sharing results

The lunar samples were collected from the far side of the moon for the first time in history. They have unique scientific significance as they will further improve the understanding of lunar evolution. They will accelerate the pace of peaceful exploration and utilization of lunar resources, serving as an important asset for all mankind, the CNSA said. The CNSA said it will organize scientific research on the samples. It plans to share China’s lunar exploration achievements with the international community.

Applications for the samples are expected to be opened to domestic research institutions and scientists in about six months. Regarding international applications, Ge noted that China has always maintained a positive and open attitude. He said China welcomes scientists from all countries to submit applications in accordance with relevant procedures.

In-depth research on lunar samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 mission yielded positive results earlier. It works in areas such as lunar formation and evolution, space weathering and resource utilization.

This is the first time that samples have been brought back from the dark side of the Moon.
This is the first time that samples have been brought back from the dark side of the Moon.

Mission successful

Researchers have published more than 80 studies in national and international journals. This includes the discovery of the new lunar mineral Changesite-(Y). It is the sixth discovered on the Moon. The “youngest” basalt on the Moon was also discovered, which was determined to be around two billion years old. It extended the “lifetime” of lunar volcanism by 800 to 900 million years longer than previously known.

The Chang’e-6 probe was launched into orbit on May 3. Its return module carried the lunar samples. It landed precisely in its designated area in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China on June 25. This marked a complete success for the mission. The Chang’e-6 return module arrived safely in Beijing later. The two kilograms of samples brought back from the Moon were successfully collected and more details are expected to be known soon.

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