The countdown begins for China’s Chang’e-6 robotic spacecraft’s momentous journey to the lunar surface, with a scheduled launch this Friday, targeting a historic first: retrieving samples from the far side of the moon.
In a competition that grows more intense with each passing year, NASA and China are striving not just for lunar exploration, but for the establishment of operational bases on the moon as a stepping stone toward future Mars expeditions.
Named after the Chinese moon goddess, China’s Chang’e program has been making significant strides in lunar exploration since its first mission in 2007.
Chang’e-6’s Upcoming Endeavors
This mission aims to touch down in the expansive South Pole-Aitken Basin, an ancient crater known to be the largest impact site in our solar system, according to the mission briefing.
A successful landing will allow for the unprecedented opportunity to collect and return lunar samples back to Earth. Notably, Chang’e-4 made history in 2019 by being the first to land on the moon’s far side—a side constantly hidden from our view due to the moon’s synchronous rotation with Earth.
The far side, characterized by numerous craters and an older, thicker crust, has intrigued scientists and is the target for this mission’s sample collection, which involves an attempt to launch from the moon’s far side for the first time.
NASA has revealed that the Chang’e-6 mission will span approximately 53 days, with an aim to gather around 2kg of lunar material with the help of sophisticated instruments, including a scoop and drill.
This sets the stage for subsequent missions that will pave the way for the ambitious goal of crewed landings and the construction of a lunar base on the moon’s southern pole. Till date, four nations have made their mark on the lunar surface—the United States, Russia, India, and China.
Escalating Lunar Ambitions
The pursuit of the moon’s far side has surged in recent years. India notably accomplished the first landing at the lunar south pole with its Chandrayaan-3, while NASA has its sights on the Artemis mission scheduled for 2026, which includes human landings and the aspiration of a stable lunar base.
China, with a 2030 deadline for its lunar ambitions, also faces speculation that they might accelerate their timetable, a concern expressed by NASA’s Administrator Bill Nelson to a congressional committee.
Nelson has emphasized the critical nature of being first to establish a presence on the moon to potentially secure lunar water resources and to guard against any untoward intentions that competitor nations might harbor in space.
Why the Far Side of the Moon Matters
The narrative around the far side of the moon centers on potential water resources, which came into focus after India’s discovery of possible ice deposits in the lunar south pole’s craters in 2008. The existence of water is crucial, as it significantly enhances prospects for sustained lunar habitation and facilitates interplanetary travel, particularly to Mars.
However, geopolitical dynamics from Earth are burgeoning in space as NASA expresses urgency in preempting China’s lunar expeditions. By claiming lunar resources, such as water, and possibly concealing military developments, China’s space activities leave NASA wary.
“My concern would be if China got there first and said, ‘This is our territory, you stay out’,” Nelson remarked, indicating the stakes involved in the lunar water race.
An extension of international relations, approximately 39 nations, including the UK, have aligned with NASA’s Artemis Accords, advocating for space exploration that adheres to peaceful objectives in accordance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which declared space to be accessible to all of humanity.
Despite being a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty, China has not endorsed the Artemis Accords. Nevertheless, China has declared its dedication to a “shared” future in space, open for collaboration with other nations.
FAQ
- When is China’s Chang’e-6 mission scheduled to launch? – The launch is set for this Friday.
- What is the goal of Chang’e-6 mission? – Its goal is to be the first mission to collect and bring back samples from the far side of the moon.
- How long will the Chang’e-6 mission last and how much material will it collect? – The mission will last approximately 53 days and aims to collect 2kg of lunar material.
- Which countries have signed the Artemis Accords? – Around 39 countries, including the UK, have signed the Artemis Accords.
- Has China signed the Artemis Accords? – No, China has not signed the Artemis Accords but has signed the Outer Space Treaty and states its commitment to international cooperation in space.
Conclusion
The Chang’e-6 mission exemplifies not only China’s technological prowess in space exploration but also the escalating global interest in lunar resources. With the ambition to touch down on the enigmatic far side of the moon, this mission is poised to enrich our understanding of Earth’s sole natural satellite and facilitate advancements in space travel. It also underscores the broader implications of space exploration for international cooperation, competition, and policy. As nations navigate this final frontier, the quest for resources and strategic positioning takes on new dimensions, revealing that the narrative of the space race is far from over.