What's happened
China's Chang'e 6 mission aims to collect lunar samples from the far side of the moon, specifically targeting the Aitken basin, one of the oldest impact craters in the solar system. The mission follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Chang'e 4, with the goal of bringing back the first-ever sample from this unexplored region.
Why it matters
China's Chang'e 6 mission to the far side of the moon is significant as it marks a milestone in lunar exploration, aiming to retrieve samples from an area never before explored. The samples collected could provide valuable insights into the history of the moon and the solar system, potentially shedding light on the formation of impact craters and the history of asteroid activity. This mission underscores China's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
What the papers say
According to Sky News, the Chang'e 6 mission aims to bring back a sample of the lunar surface from the far side, specifically targeting the Aitken basin. Business Insider UK highlights that China's space race against the US has intensified with this mission, as it seeks to collect samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a significant impact feature in the solar system.
How we got here
The far side of the moon has remained largely unexplored until recent decades, with China's Chang'e missions playing a crucial role in uncovering its mysteries. The Chang'e program, named after the Chinese moon goddess, has seen a series of successful missions to the moon, with Chang'e 4 making history as the first spacecraft to land on the far side in 2019. The Chang'e 6 mission builds on this legacy, aiming to deepen our understanding of the moon's geology and history.
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