China’s Chang’e-6 mission has collected more than 1.9 kilograms of samples from the far side of the moon, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Friday. Zhang Kejian, head of the agency, handed over the sample container to Ding Chibiao, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), who also received the certificate for the samples, at a ceremony held in Beijing.
“We found that the samples brought back by Chang’e-6 were more viscous compared to previous samples, with the presence of clumps. These are observable features,” Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, who is also the spokesperson for the Chang’e-6 mission, told reporters.
Researchers will carry out storage and processing of the samples as planned and start scientific research work. Collected from the far side of the moon for the first time in human history, the material has unique scientific significance as it will further enhance understanding of the evolution and peaceful utilization of lunar resources and serve as an important asset for all mankind, the CNSA said.
The entity promised to continue maintaining the spirit of lunar exploration, characterized by “pursuing dreams, daring to explore, collaborating to overcome challenges and achieving win-win cooperation”, to ensure proper management of samples. The entity will organize scientific research, sharing China’s lunar exploration achievements with the international community, the CNSA said.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/missao-chinesa-change-6-coleta-quase-2-quilos-de-amostras-do-lado-oculto-da-lua/
