WENCHANG, Hainan, May 4. — China launched the Chang’e-6 probe this past Friday to collect and bring back samples from the mysterious far side of the Moon, representing the first effort of its kind in the history of the Moon. human exploration of the Earth satellite, and a great achievement for the Asian giant, reported the Xinhua Agency.
A Long March-5 rocket, with the Chang’e-6 probe on board, lifted off from its pad at 5:27 p.m. (Beijing time) from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern province. Chinese island of Hainan.
About 37 minutes after liftoff, the spacecraft separated from the Chang’e-6 rocket and entered the planned Earth-Moon orbit, at a perigee altitude of 200 kilometers and an apogee altitude of about 380,000 kilometers, according to the Administration. China National Space Agency (CNSA).
The launch of the Chang’e-6 spacecraft was a success, the CNSA announced.
«Collecting and bringing back samples from the far side of the Moon is an unprecedented feat. Currently, we know very little about the far side of the Moon. If the Chang’e-6 probe achieves its goal, it will provide scientists with the first direct evidence to understand the environment and material composition of the far side of the Moon, which is of great importance,” stated Wu Weiren, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of the country’s lunar exploration program.
«However, the mission is very difficult and risky. We are looking forward to its success,” said Wu.
The Chang’e-6 probe, like its predecessor Chang’e-5, consists of an orbiter, a lander, an ascent module and a return module.
After reaching the Moon, it will make a soft landing on the other side of the satellite. Within 48 hours of landing, a robotic arm will extend to pick up rocks and soil from the lunar surface, and a drill will drill into the ground. At the same time, scientific observation work is carried out.
After sealing the samples in a container, the elevator will take off from the Moon and dock into orbit. The return module will then transport the samples back to Earth and land in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The mission is expected to last about 53 days, according to CNSA.
