Chang'e 6 Returns with Far Side Lunar Samples

China becomes first nation to successfully return samples from the Moon's far side, revealing unique geological composition.

The China National Space Administration announced successful analysis of samples returned by the Chang'e 6 mission, marking the first time material from the lunar far side has been brought to Earth for study.

The samples, collected from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, show significant differences from near-side lunar material. Preliminary analysis reveals a higher concentration of rare earth elements and unusual mineral compositions that suggest a different volcanic history.

'The far side is geologically distinct from the near side in almost every way,' noted Dr. Li Chunlai, deputy chief designer of the mission. 'These samples will help us understand why the two hemispheres evolved so differently.'

The Chang'e 6 lander touched down in May 2024, collected 1.9 kilograms of material using a robotic arm and drill, and returned to Earth in June. The samples are now being shared with international research teams under various cooperation agreements.

Significantly, the samples contain basalt rocks that are about 2.8 billion years old - younger than most near-side basalts - suggesting volcanic activity persisted longer on the far side than previously thought.