The forthcoming lunar mission by China, Chang’e 6, is set to achieve a historic first by landing on the far side of the moon to gather samples in the initial half of 2024.
As per the China Daily report, the spacecraft’s components have recently reached the Wenchang Space Launch Centre for assembly and prelaunch preparations.
Similar to its forerunner, Chang’e 5, the probe comprises four modules that will separate upon entering lunar orbit – an orbiter, lander, ascender, and reentry vehicle. The lander-ascender is expected to land in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, employing a drill and mechanical arm for collecting soil and rock specimens. This crater, relatively unexplored, is the largest impact basin in the solar system, providing insights into lunar formation.
Following the collection of samples, the ascender will take off to rendezvous with the reentry capsule, which will bring the materials back to Earth. No nation has previously acquired samples from the far side. While Chang’e 4 made history with the first far side landing in 2019, Chang’e 6 is poised to take the significant next stride, according to WAM.
