China's Chang’e-6 probe lands on far side of moon as Beijing ramps up its space exploration endeavours

In a landmark step in space exploration, China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has successfully landed on the far side of the moon. The state media confirmed the landing on Sunday.

China National Space Administration said that the lander set down in the immense South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is touted as one of the largest known impact craters in the solar system. Chang’e-6 is on a 53-day mission which commenced after it was successfully launched on May 3.

The lander is now expected to collect samples from the south side of the moon. Hence, the Chinese probe will attempt to scoop up lunar soil and rocks and carry out other experiments. According to the Chinese Space Agency, the process of collecting samples would be concluded within two days.

A historic mission

It is important to note that the mission marked the first-ever attempt to collect samples from the rarely explored area of the moon. The probe is expected to use two methods of data collection; a drill to collect samples under the surface and a robotic arm to grab specimens from the surface.

Once it’s done with collecting samples, the spacecraft will attempt an unprecedented launch from the side of the moon that always faces away from Earth. Scientists believe that material collected from the dark side of the moon may shed light on how the moon was formed.

China’s ‘space dream’

Plans to achieve “China’s space dream” have been put on overdrive in recent years. In regards to this, Beijing has poured huge resources into its space programme over the past decade. In recent years, China has notched several notable achievements as well. This includes building a space station called Tiangong, or “heavenly palace”.

It is also important to note that China is only the third country to independently put humans in orbit. Beijing is also planning to send a crewed mission to the moon by 2030 and build a base on the lunar surface.

With inputs from agencies.