A Chinese lunar probe, Chang’e-6, carrying samples from the Moon’s far side, successfully returned to Earth on Tuesday, marking the completion of a 53-day mission described as a world first.
The probe’s landing module touched down in Inner Mongolia at 2:07 pm local time, as announced by the China National Space Administration, which declared the mission a “complete success.”
The samples of soil and rocks from the Moon’s far side—a region less explored and more rugged than the near side due to fewer ancient lava flows—may provide insights into the Moon’s formation and evolutionary history.
Additionally, the mission included the launch of Pakistan’s lunar satellite iCube-Q, described as “historic” by the involved parties.
Following the successful operation, President Xi Jinping praised the mission’s “outstanding contributions,” as reported by state broadcaster CCTV, saying they would be “forever remembered by the motherland and the people.”
Chang’e-6 was launched from Hainan on May 3 and landed in the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin a month later. The probe collected samples using a drill and robotic arm, captured images of the lunar surface, and placed a flag made of basalt fabric.
On June 4, the probe accomplished the first-ever launch from the Moon’s far side, hailed as “an unprecedented feat in human lunar exploration history” by Xinhua.
The mission has stirred national pride and significant media attention in China. Live coverage of the landing showed personnel approaching the capsule and a flag-planting ceremony next to it.
