On July 12, China officially launched scientific research on lunar samples, including studies on the potential for life on neighboring celestial bodies of Earth.
Thirteen scientific institutes participating in China’s research program have been provided with nearly 17.5 grams of lunar soil and rock samples collected by the Chang’e 5 spacecraft, which returned to Earth.
Mr. Zhu Rixiang, head of the Chinese lunar sample expert committee, stated that the soil and rock samples collected by Chang’e 5 are different from those collected by previous American and Soviet spacecraft, as the landing site of Chang’e 5 had never been explored before.
One of the lunar soil and rock samples used by China for research. (Photo: CCTV)
The approved research directions mainly relate to the age of volcanic activity on the Moon and the Moon’s evolutionary process. Through studying these samples, humanity will gain new insights into the evolution of the Moon and other planets, as well as the potential for life on neighboring celestial bodies of Earth.
Among the provided samples are 157.6 mg of thin sections, 868.8 mg of fragments, and 16.45 grams of powdered samples.
Mr. Li Chunlai, Deputy Chief Designer of the third phase of China’s lunar exploration program, noted: “Thin sections refer to small flat pieces we use tree resin to fix the grains and powder and then flatten them out. When conducting scientific research, creating thin sections is the largest part of the work, and these samples can facilitate a wide range of studies. Additionally, there are powdered and granular samples. Granular samples can undergo many independent studies.”
According to Mr. Liu Zizhong, Director of the Lunar and Planetary Exploration Program at the China National Space Administration (CNSA), this is the first batch of lunar soil and rock samples provided to research institutes. In the future, more lunar soil and rock samples will be supplied as planned, with the next review scheduled for September.
Moreover, China has included plans for the Chang’e 6 mission to continue lunar sampling and return to Earth, as well as sampling Mars and asteroids in its long-term agenda.
Previously, in December 2020, China’s Chang’e 5 spacecraft returned to Earth, concluding its lunar exploration mission and bringing back 1,731 grams of collected soil and rock samples.
Currently, only domestic research agencies have registered to use China’s lunar soil and rock samples, although the country has expressed its willingness to share with other nations.
