The lunar samples brought back by China’s Chang’e 6 mission at the end of June will soon allow international researchers to access them widely for study.
Previously, the Chang’e 6 spacecraft successfully delivered 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples from the far side of the Moon on June 25. This marks the first time humanity has been able to collect materials from this unexplored region, raising hopes among scientists that they can expand their understanding of the Moon through these unique samples.
Scientists around the world are eager to obtain these unique samples. (Illustrative image: CCTV).
The lunar samples will be distributed to researchers through an Open Application System. International researchers can access the scientific data system and release samples related to lunar exploration and deep space on China’s Lunar Exploration and Deep Space Exploration website (www.clep.org.cn) for detailed information and to apply for access to the samples.
Li Chunlai, Deputy Design Director of the Chang’e 6 mission, added: “We have only studied the near side of the Moon, but there is still half that we know very little about. How does it differ from the near side? Why is it different? So far, we have completed the initial steps of unsealing, categorizing, and processing the samples, along with conducting preliminary analyses. By the end of the year, we will distribute the samples to domestic scientists for in-depth studies.”
According to Li Chunlai, scientists worldwide are keen to obtain these “unique” samples. While humanity had previously collected 10 sets of samples from the near side of the Moon, this is the only sample from the far side, making it particularly valuable for advancing lunar research.
“So far, the portal for accepting international sample requests from the Chang’e 6 mission has closed. For the obtained samples, it will take some time before they can be accessed for global research. Traditionally, our Chinese scientists must study the samples for a while before such research requests are opened to international researchers,” Li Chunlai added.
The Chang’e 6 probe was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, southern China, on May 3, 2024. It landed on the far side of the Moon on June 2. During its 2-day stay, the astronauts attempted to collect nearly 2 kg of material samples from the Moon. On June 25, the Chang’e 6 spacecraft returned with the samples, landing in northern China.
