Apollo Crater (South Pole-Aitken Basin, Far Side)

What Happened Here?

Landing site of Chang'e 6, June 1, 2024. First ever sample return from the lunar far side. Apollo Crater lies within the South Pole-Aitken Basin — the largest impact structure in the solar system.

Region Overview

Largest and deepest impact basin in the solar system, on the lunar far side. Contains Von Kármán crater (Chang'e 4) and Apollo crater (Chang'e 6).

Missions Associated with this Site

• Chang'e 6 (2024) · China LANDED
  Confirmed landing. First-ever sample return from the lunar far side

Historical Timeline

• 2024-05-03 — Launch from Wenchang Space Launch Site on Long March 5 (Chang'e 6)
• 2024-05-08 — Queqiao-2 relay satellite confirmed operational (Chang'e 6)
• 2024-06-01 — Chang'e 6 lands in Apollo crater, SPA Basin far side — first far-side sample landing (Chang'e 6)
• 2024-06-03 — Sample collection completed — 1,935.3 g collected via drill and scoop (Chang'e 6)
• 2024-06-03 — Ascent vehicle lifts off from the far side (Chang'e 6)
• 2024-06-25 — Return capsule lands in Inner Mongolia (Chang'e 6)

Site Imagery & Gallery

Scientific References & Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang%27e_6
• https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/

Explore Apollo Crater (South Pole-Aitken Basin, Far Side) in 3D

Interactive 3D Moon atlas with terrain model, spacecraft markers, and historical site stories.