China News reports that at 7:38 AM on June 4 (Beijing time), China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft launched from the far side of the Moon. After approximately six minutes of operation of the 3000N engine, the spacecraft successfully entered its predetermined orbit around the Moon.
Previously, from June 2 to June 3, Chang’e-6 completed its mission to collect soil and rock samples in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, exactly as planned.
During the sampling and packaging process, scientists simulated the geographical model of the area and the sampling process based on data transmitted by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, which played a crucial role in supporting sampling decisions and operations.
The image of the far side of the Moon captured by the Chang’e-6 camera during landing. (Photo: China National Space Administration).
Chang’e-6 collected lunar samples using two methods: drilling with a drilling tool and surface excavation with a robotic arm. Lunar rock samples were collected separately, allowing for diverse sampling at multiple locations.
The landing camera, panoramic camera, lunar soil structure detector, lunar mineral spectrum analyzer, and other payloads of the Chang’e-6 lander were activated normally, and scientific exploration activities proceeded as planned.
In addition, international instruments carried by Chang’e-6, such as the surface ion analyzer from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the lunar radon detector from France, are operating normally and have successfully conducted their respective scientific detection missions.
Among these, the lunar radon detector from France was activated during the lunar orbital phase; the ESA surface ion analyzer was activated while conducting work on the lunar surface. The laser corner reflector from Italy attached to the top of the lander has become a position control point on the far side of the Moon and can be used for distance measurements.
After completing its objectives, the Chinese national flag carried by the Chang’e-6 lander was successfully planted on the far side of the Moon. This marks the first time China has independently raised its national flag on the far side of the Moon. The flag is made of new composite materials using a special process.
Unlike launching from Earth, the Chang’e-6 spacecraft does not have a fixed launch tower but uses the lander as a “temporary tower.”
Compared to Chang’e-5, which launched from the near side of the Moon, launching from the far side with Chang’e-6 is considered significantly more challenging as it cannot directly receive ground measurement and control support. Instead, it relies on support from the Queqiao-2 relay satellite and uses specialized sensors onboard to achieve automatic positioning and navigation capabilities.
After successfully entering the planned lunar orbit, Chang’e-6 will connect with the return vehicle assembly to transfer the samples. The return vehicle will continue to orbit the Moon until the appropriate time to return to Earth. The spacecraft is expected to land in the Siziwang Banner area in Inner Mongolia (northern China).
Earlier, on May 3, the Chang’e-6 probe was launched into space and began its journey to the Moon. The spacecraft successfully landed on June 2 in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon as planned.
