The Chinese are on the Moon, this historic mission to the far side has surprises in store

China is set to become the first nation to bring back to Earth soil samples collected on the far side of the Moon. Beyond of the technological feat, the scientific fallout could be considerable.

New samples of lunar soil are on their way to Earth. 55 years after the first Apollo missions, these new samples intrigue the community. scientific since they come from the far side of the Moon. They began to work together. their journey to Earth after China's Chang'e 6 mission lander collected soil samples then sent back its precious cargo in orbit in a capsule.

It all started on June 2 when the Chinese probe landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin which is located in the southern part of the crater. ;egrave;re Apollo. This is the second time that China has successfully landed softly on the far side of the Moon after the Chang'e 4& ;nbsp;(2019). In the hours that followed, the scientific instruments were activated. activated while the robotic arm moves. and the on-board drill carried out for taking samples.

Then, on June 3   1h38 (French time), the ascent module took off. to reach the lunar orbit and dock with the service module that awaits it. After that, the samples will be transferred into a capsule. The service module will continue à rotate around the Moon until the calculated moment to begin his return to Earth which is scheduled for June 20 and 21. The precious sample capsule is due to land in Inner Mongolia around June 25.

© CNSA

Why is China, and more generally the community? world scientist, are they interested in the hidden side of the Moon? Because it is very different from the visible side and we don't know why! ;nbsp;Change'e 6 has collectedé soil samples both on the surface but also in depth. Their analysis should make it possible to better understand the overall composition of the Moon and shed light on a period called the great late bombardment which extends from 4.1 à 3.9 billion years. At this time, the solar system is in the grip of an explosion. an increase in the impacts of meteorites and comets on telluric planets, including the Moon.

The South Pole-Aitken basin in which Chang'e 6 carried out its soil samples are well preserved. approximately 4.26 billion years ago. It predates the impact basins that dot the near side of the Moon. Its study will make it possible to date its formation and determine whether it took place during the great late bombardment or during a separate event.< /p>

By carrying out precise dating of the South Pole-Aitken basin, scientists will have a better understanding of the history of the Moon. These discoveries could even provide clues to the origins of life on Earth. Indeed, some theories believe that water and organic matter could have arrived on our planet with asteroids during the heavy bombardment late.

In addition, the Chang'e-6 mission is part of the Chinese lunar program. Samples of the visible side of the Moon were collected. brought back in 2020 during the Chang'e 5 mission. Two other missions are planned for next year. proximity of the South Pole of the Moon: Chang'e 7 in 2026 and Chang'e 8 around 2028. This program aims to ; prepare the first lunar expedition of a Chinese crew planned to take place in China. the horizon 2030.