BEIJING: The upcoming lunar mission of China, Chang’e 6, is scheduled to conduct the first-ever landing on the far side of the moon in order to collect samples during the first half of 2024.
Recently, components of the spacecraft have been delivered to Wenchang Space Launch Centre for assembly and prelaunch preparations, as reported by China Daily.
Like its predecessor Chang’e 5, the probe consists of four modules that will separate upon lunar orbit entry – an orbiter, lander, ascender, and reentry vehicle. The lander-ascender will touch down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, using a drill and mechanical arm to gather soil and rock specimens. This minimally explored crater is the largest impact basin in the solar system, offering clues about lunar formation.
Once samples are collected, the ascender will lift off to dock with the reentry capsule, which will return the materials to Earth. No nation has ever obtained far side samples before. While Chang’e 4 pioneered the first far side landing in 2019, Chang’e
6 will take the monumental next step.
Source: Emirates News Agency