Thanks to meticulous simulation processes, Chinese researchers have successfully conducted lunar sample collection activities in the Moon’s dark side using a robotic arm and drill.
(Video: CGTN).
China’s Chang’e 6 Lunar Sample Collection Mission is nearing the halfway mark, with the sample-carrying spacecraft entering orbit on June 4. However, prior to this, the sample collection process involved careful coordination between science and engineering, according to CGTN. Previously, China collected samples from the Moon’s near side during the Chang’e 5 mission in 2020. However, operations in the dark side, which cannot be observed from Earth, are particularly challenging.
According to researcher Jin Shengyi from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, who is familiar with the process, the first step was accurately simulating the operational area of the spacecraft, located 380,000 km away from Earth. The research team in the ground laboratory utilized data from the Tiangong 2 relay satellite to simulate the geographical model of the area and the sample collection process, providing crucial support for mission decisions.
The sample collection process of Chang’e 6 lunar mission.
Jin and colleagues first analyzed the landing site images transmitted by Chang’e 6, and then constructed a digital model of the area. Subsequently, they created a realistic simulation from the digital model, accurately replicating the lunar surface environment at a 1:1 scale.
“We placed a sample collection mechanism in the simulated environment and adjusted it to a state similar to the actual device on the Moon. In this realistic recreated environment, we selected sample collection sites and established methods for rock sample collection,” Jin explained.
The research team selected over 10 suitable locations and commanded the robotic arm to operate at each site with just one directive, thanks to an intelligent sample collection system. The spacecraft also collected lunar samples through a three-hour drilling operation.
