The space race of the 60s seems to be back, although in its own way and with more fragmented struggles. On the one hand, there is the arrival of private companies and their particular fight to be leaders in the sector. On the other hand, there is the race between government agencies, where this time there are more contenders (Japan, India and even Europe) and with China taking the place of the former Soviet Union against the United States as world leaders.
Well, this week, China has just taken a step forward and marked a milestone that until now had been limited: its Chang’e-6 probe has managed to collect and return to Earth successfully the first samples collected from the far side of the Moon.
A milestone that, beyond the technical work, could help us understand the formation of planets.
China at the forefront of lunar exploration
The event took place on June 25, when the lunar probe landed in the Inner Mongolia desert, culminating a mission of almost two months that involved considerable risks.
In this mission, which is China’s sixth to the Moon and the second to the far side, Chang’e-6, named in honor of the Moon goddess of Chinese mythology, achieved what no other nation has achieved. : bring samples from the most distant and enigmatic side of our natural satellite.
The far side of the Moon, a territory full of giant craters and irregular surfaces, has always been a challenge for space exploration. Due to its remoteness and adverse conditions, accessing this region requires advanced technology and meticulous planning.
China, however, has once again demonstrated its ability to overcome these obstacles and establish itself as a power in the exploration of outer space.
The scientific importance of lunar samples
Scientists hope that the samples collected by Chang’e-6 will provide crucial answers about the formation of planets. Catherine Heymans, Royal Astronomer of Scotland, expressed to the BBC her enthusiasm at the possibility that these samples will allow testing theories about the formation of the Moon and its relationship with the Earth.
“Is it very similar to the Earth? Can that confirm our theory that the Earth and the Moon were once the same? The geological activity on the Moon is very different on the near side and the far side, and it has been a great enigma why we see these differences”, poses as questions that can be answered.
A ‘loot’ loaded with symbolism
The return of Chang’e-6 not only has scientific significance, but also deep national symbolism.
The image of Chinese officials planting the flag in the Inner Mongolia desert, broadcast live on state media, reinforces China’s pride and ambition in its space program.
President Xi Jinping congratulated the mission team and stressed the importance of continuing to explore deep space for the benefit of humanity.
The successful Chang’e-6 mission comes at a time when the competition for space dominance between China and the United States is at its peak. With plans to send a manned mission to the Moon before 2030 by China, and the Artemis Mission already for 2026 by the North American side, China and the US are fighting to see who sets the pace.
And experts believe that the next great space race will not only be about putting humans on the Moon, but also about who will be able to control and exploit its resources. The possibility of finding ice on the far side of the Moon opens the door to the production of water, oxygen and fuel, essential for future long-duration missions in space.
This race for lunar resources could redefine the balance of power in space exploration.
