Chang'e 6
Chang'e 6 achieved the first-ever sample return from the lunar far side, collecting 1,935.3 grams of material from the South Pole-Aitken Basin's Apollo crater. Communication was enabled by the relay satellite Queqiao-2. The SPA basin samples are among the most scientifically significant ever returned from the Moon.
Mission Imagery & Gallery
Primary Achievement
First-ever sample return from the lunar far side
Mission Objectives
- First sample return from the lunar far side
- Collect 1,935 g of material from the South Pole-Aitken Basin
- Study oldest and largest lunar impact basin via returned samples
- Demonstrate Queqiao-2 relay satellite for far-side communications
Timeline Events
- 2024-05-03 — Launch from Wenchang Space Launch Site on Long March 5
- 2024-05-08 — Queqiao-2 relay satellite confirmed operational
- 2024-06-01 — Chang'e 6 lands in Apollo crater, SPA Basin far side — first far-side sample landing
- 2024-06-03 — Sample collection completed — 1,935.3 g collected via drill and scoop
- 2024-06-03 — Ascent vehicle lifts off from the far side
- 2024-06-25 — Return capsule lands in Inner Mongolia
Related Missions
Historical & Technical Sources
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