The probe collected pebbles and soil while flying the Chinese flag, officials claimed. Chang’e-6 returns June 25.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Chang’e-6 probe’s lander unfurls a Chinese flag on the moon’s far side in this CNSA handout image. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side has launched to return to Earth.
A Chinese spacecraft is returning to Earth after collecting the first lunar samples from the far side.
On Tuesday, the China National Space Administration said Chang’e-6 launched on its return voyage after 12.30 a.m. UK time. Officials obtained rocks and soil from the moon using a drill and robotic arm.
The probe uncovered the Chinese flag after the assignment.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying tweeted on X: Mission accomplished!
“An unprecedented feat in human lunar exploration history!”
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Chang’e-6 mission landed on the moon, and a small rover captured this CNSA handout image. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side has launched to return to Earth.
The photograph depicts Chang’e-6 on the moon.
Sunday saw the spacecraft land after its launch last month.
On June 25, its re-entry capsule will arrive in Inner Mongolia.
