China continues to add feathers to its space exploration and colonization efforts. Marking a major milestone in space exploration, the Chinese space agency, the China National Space Administration, successfully launched an uncrewed spacecraft on a nearly two-month mission to the Moon.
The mission, Called Chang’e-6, aims to collect rocks and soil samples from the far side of the Moon. The 8-ton Chang’e-6 probe was launched using the Long March-5, China’s largest rocket, which took off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan.
Change-6 and its mission objectives
Chang’e-6’s primary objective is to land in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the Moon’s far side and retrieve samples. Neil Melville-Kenney, an ESA technical officer, emphasized the enigmatic nature of the dark side of the Moon, which has been explored only through robotic probes.
The launch is a significant achievement in China’s lunar exploration program, with Pierre-Yves Meslin, a French researcher, commending China’s rapid progress in space exploration.
Previous missions, such as Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5, have already marked significant milestones for China, including its first uncrewed Moon landing and the retrieval of lunar samples.
Once on the Moon, Chang’e-6 will collect samples weighing about two kilograms before returning to Earth. The actual window during which the Chang’e-6 probe can collect the rocks will be about 14 hours long, which will be spread over 24 hours.
The mission aims to provide valuable insights into the Moon’s geological history, focusing on the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
Payloads from Pakistan and other countries
Although scientists and officials from various countries, including France, Italy, and Pakistan, attended the launch, no US organizations participated due to legal restrictions.
China’s Chang’e-6 mission is set to carry payloads from various international partners, showcasing the collaborative nature of space exploration. Contributions from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan are among the payloads onboard Chang’e-6. Similarly, for the upcoming Chang’e-7 mission, payloads from Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand will be included.
Pakistan’s payload is particularly interesting. The iCube Qamar, on board China’s Chang’E6,, is Pakistan’s first satellite mission to the Moon. The Institute of Space Technology (IST) designed and developed the satellite in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO.
The primary purpose of iCube is to take photos of the moon’s surface and relay them back to Pakistan so they have their images of the moon’s surface to study. Once the probe is in lunar orbit, which will be about five days from the day of the launch, it will circle the Moon for three to six months.
China’s colonization plans
Chang’e-6 is part of China’s long-term plan to establish a permanent research station on the Moon, known as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), in collaboration with Russia.
The mission also underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology. The Long March-5 rocket is known for its reliability and robustness and has played a crucial role in China’s space endeavors. By successfully launching Chang’e-6, China has demonstrated its ability to execute complex missions beyond Earth’s orbit with a considerably conservative budget.
Furthermore, the scientific significance of Chang’e-6 cannot be overstated. By retrieving samples from the Moon’s far side, researchers hope to gain new insights into lunar geology, evolution, and potential resources. The South Pole-Aitken Basin, in particular, is of great interest due to its unique geological features and pristine lunar material.
Despite geopolitical tensions and regulatory barriers, China remains committed to advancing its space exploration agenda. The country’s ambitious lunar program reflects its long-term vision for space exploration and scientific discovery.
