China's lunar sample-retrieval mission named Chang'e 6 detailed
The Chinese lunar exploration program has taken a significant step forward with the successful landing of the Chang'e 6 spacecraft in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a monumental crater on the far side of the Moon. This historic event marks the culmination of five consecutive successful lunar missions for China, each contributing to a better understanding of lunar geology, geochemistry, and topography.
The Chang'e 6 mission, expected to last 53 days, is a collaborative effort between China and the European Space Agency (ESA). The spacecraft, composed of four independent modules, including a lander, ascender, orbiter, and return vehicle, weighs approximately 18,077 pounds. Four scientific instruments from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan are aboard, adding a diplomatic dimension to the mission.
The Chang'e 6 lander has a drilling capacity of up to 2 meters and is equipped with the EXPERT (Exobiology Payload for EXploration of Asteroids and the Moon) package, provided by the ESA. This package includes a dust detector, a mass spectrometer, a laser retroreflector, and a radio experiment, aimed at further studying the region's composition and understanding the formation of the Moon.
One of the primary objectives of the Chang'e 6 mission is to investigate the potential presence of ice in the permanently shaded regions at the Moon's poles. Ice on the Moon can be harvested for water, oxygen, and hydrogen, the latter two serving as a rocket propellant combo for future space missions. To aid in this pursuit, the ICUBE-Q cubesat aims to detect traces of ice on the lunar surface during the mission.
Another instrument on board, DORN (an alpha spectrometer), will study the transportation dynamics of radon and other elements between the lunar soil and the exosphere. This data will provide valuable insights into the Moon's geological processes and history.
The Chang'e 6 mission is a significant milestone in China's ambitious plans for the Moon. The country envisions the Moon as a potential source for substantial economic development, with a projected economic output of up to $10 trillion by 2050. The Moon's proximity to Earth enables China to develop space-based technologies in areas such as biology, medicine, and astronomy.
The nascent lunar Queqiao satellite constellation is a key part of China's long-term lunar plans, supporting upcoming missions and helping pave the way for the International Lunar Research Station. The Chang'e 6 mission is expected to collect around 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of lunar material, which will enable further study of the region's composition, giving scientists a much better understanding of the formation of the Moon.
China's lunar exploration program formally began after China orbited their first astronaut, Yang Liwei, in 2003. Since then, the country has made significant strides in space exploration, culminating in the successful landing of the Chang'e 6 spacecraft. The Chang'e 6 lander touched down on the surface of the Moon at 06:23 Beijing time on 2 June (22:23 UTC on Saturday 1 June), marking a new chapter in China's lunar exploration journey.
As the Chang'e 6 spacecraft makes its journey back to Earth, expected around 25 June 2024, the world eagerly awaits the discoveries and insights that this groundbreaking mission will bring.
