China has made history by bringing back soil from the far side of the moon (the side that is always dark). It has become the first country to do so. The re-entry module of China’s Moon Mission Chang’e-6 landed in the northern part of China at 11:30 AM on June 25, carrying samples. According to a report, China’s moon mission returned with approximately 2 kilograms of soil from the moon’s surface.
Under a very swingy parachute, China just landed samples from the other side of the Moon. I look forward to hearing what the scientists learn. https://t.co/iqFwH6Zqzd pic.twitter.com/9NKFhKoQjP
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) June 25, 2024
China Brings Back 4 Billion-Year-Old Soil
The sample brought back by China is estimated to be around 4 billion years old. Drills and robotic arms were used to collect the sample. It was then placed in a capsule and transferred to Earth via a re-entry vehicle. China’s Moon Mission Chang’e-6 landed at the moon’s South Pole on May 3.
What is on the Dark Side of the Moon?
Most moon missions sent so far have landed on the side of the moon that is visible from Earth. There is limited information about the far side of the moon. Scientists have speculated that water in the form of ice may exist on this side, which could be a crucial resource for sustaining life. China has long aimed to establish a base on the moon, and as part of this endeavor, it has collected samples from the far side.
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What Does China Want to Achieve with the Soil?
China aims to determine whether water in the form of ice truly exists on the far side of the moon through the samples it has collected. They want to understand how the moon was formed, the nature of its soil, and its various components. According to a reports, China plans to use the moon’s soil for its Moon Base Project. This ambitious project is expected to commence by the end of this decade.
