Beijing is moving forward with an ambitious program that aims to send a crewed lunar mission by 2030. On Friday ( May 3 ), China will launch a probe to collect samples from the far side of the moon.
The Chang’e- 6 solar probe is expected to launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province simply before 5.30pm local day, according to authorities.
It is the most recent development for China’s optimistic space program, which Washington has warned is being used to hide military ambitions and an attempt to establish interplanetary dominance.
The Chang’e- 6 intends to bring about 2 kg of lunar samples back to Earth for analysis and retrieve them from the moon’s deep side for evaluation.
It is a physically challenging 53-day mission that will also include an exceptional release from the side of the moon that faces away from Earth.
” Chang’e- 6 did gather samples from the far side of the moon for the first time”, Ge Ping, vice chairman of China’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, told reporters.
One of the largest known effect holes in the solar system, the enormous South Pole-Aitken Basin, is where the probe is expected to land.
When there, it will conduct another tests in the landing area, collecting solar soil and rocks.
Therefore, it may depart from the surface of the moon and follow its original route home.