China’s Chang’e 6 mission is set to launch tonight, marking an important step in the country’s lunar exploration program. The mission aims to achieve several milestones in the field of Moon exploration. It will be the second mission to land on the lunar far side, following the successful landing of Chang’e 4 in 2019. The mission is part of China’s ongoing efforts to advance technological capabilities with each mission and also showcases international collaboration.
The Chang’e 6 spacecraft was initially built as a backup for the previous mission, Chang’e 5, which successfully brought back lunar soil from the Moon’s near side in 2020. However, the parameters of the Chang’e 6 mission are more ambitious and scientifically significant. The mission involves four separate spacecraft working together to collect up to 2kg of lunar soil from the Moon’s far side.
The far side of the Moon is not visible from Earth due to the tidal lock between the Earth and Moon. The first images of the far side were captured by the Soviet Union’s Luna 3 probe in 1959, revealing a heavily cratered surface different from the familiar near side.
Chang’e 6 aims to collect samples from the South Pole-Aitken basin, the oldest lunar impact crater. Recent missions have focused on this region due to the discovery of water ice and its potential for future lunar bases. The samples collected will provide valuable insights into the composition and age of the lunar far side, shedding light on the early history of the Solar System.
The international community will have access to the collected specimens for further analysis, continuing the spirit of collaboration seen in China’s previous space missions. The Chang’e 6 probe carries instruments contributed by France, Italy, Pakistan, and Sweden, with funding from the European Space Agency.
Despite geopolitical tensions, the Chang’e 6 mission exemplifies constructive international collaboration in the scientific community. Scientists value collaborative efforts regardless of national origin, as science knows no borders. China’s advancements in science and technology have gained global recognition, and international partners are increasingly acknowledging their contributions.
However, practical considerations must be taken into account in a politically charged environment. Striking a balance between protecting national interests and fostering the free flow of ideas is crucial. The Chang’e 6 mission serves as a prime example of a productive international partnership that navigates these challenges.