A milestone was achieved as a Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the far side of the moon. The primary objective of this mission is to collect soil and rock samples that could offer valuable insights into the differences between the less-explored far side and the more familiar near side of the moon. This landing marks the sixth mission in the Chang’e moon exploration program, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. Unlike the previous missions, this one is specifically designed to bring back samples to Earth.
China’s moon exploration program is not just a scientific endeavor but also a part of a larger competition for space dominance. As the United States remains the leader in space exploration, China is rapidly catching up. With the establishment of its own space station and regular crewed missions, China is making significant strides in its space capabilities. The ultimate goal for China is to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make it the second nation after the US to achieve this feat.
While China is making progress in its space missions, there are challenges and competition on the horizon. The US, after more than 50 years, is planning to land astronauts on the moon again, with a target date pushed back to 2026. However, NASA’s efforts to use private sector rockets have faced delays, as evidenced by the recent computer trouble that led to the cancellation of Boeing’s astronaut flight. Similarly, a Japanese billionaire had to call off his plan to orbit the moon due to uncertainties with SpaceX’s mega rocket development.
The current Chinese mission involves a complex process of collecting samples from the far side of the moon. The lander is equipped with a mechanical arm and a drill to gather up to 2 kilograms of surface and underground material over a two-day period. Once the samples are collected, an ascender atop the lander will transport them to another orbiting module. The samples will then be transferred to a re-entry capsule, scheduled to return to Earth in China’s Inner Mongolia region in late June.
Exploring the far side of the moon presents unique challenges compared to the near side. Communication with Earth is more difficult due to the lack of direct line of sight, necessitating the use of a relay satellite. Additionally, the terrain on the far side is rugged and lacks flat landing areas, making the mission more complex and demanding.
China’s successful landing on the far side of the moon represents a significant achievement in its space exploration program. As China continues to expand its space capabilities and push the boundaries of exploration, the competition for space dominance among global powers intensifies. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by various space agencies, the quest for knowledge and exploration of the moon remains a top priority for the international space community.