China Opens Lunar Sample Research Applications to Domestic Scientists
Beijing, November 1, 2023 – The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has announced the opening of the first round of applications for researchers interested in studying samples collected from the far side of the Moon by the Chang'e 6 mission. This historic lunar exploration, which successfully returned in late June after a 53-day mission, marks the first time samples from this uncharted lunar territory have been retrieved.
The Chang'e 6 mission, launched in May, targeted the Apollo crater on the Moon's far side, collecting approximately 1,935 grams of lunar material, which translates to about 4 pounds and 4.29 ounces. This is a pioneering endeavor as no previous mission had accessed this area, providing an unprecedented opportunity to study material from the Moon's least explored side.
Call for Applications
Applications for studying these unique samples are currently limited to Chinese researchers and will close on November 22, 2023. The CNSA's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center has made a portion of the samples available for research, expecting that the analysis could yield new insights into the Moon's origin, evolution, and the stark differences between its near and far sides.
Scientific Implications
Early findings suggest that the far-side lunar material differs significantly in density from samples previously collected from the near side, prompting questions about lunar geological history and composition variations. This could potentially lead to a deeper understanding of lunar formation and evolution processes.
Future International Collaboration
While the initial access is restricted to domestic researchers, CNSA plans to open a second round of applications in approximately two years, inviting international scientists to apply. This approach mirrors the timeline set for the Chang'e 5 mission, where samples from the near side of the Moon were made available for international analysis nearly two and a half years after their return.
Legal and Political Considerations
Despite ongoing legal restrictions barring direct cooperation in space exploration between China and the United States, NASA scientists are also eligible to apply for access to these samples, navigating through existing political complexities.
Additional Opportunities
In addition to the Chang'e 6 samples, the deadline for applications to study samples from the Chang'e 5 mission, which retrieved lunar material from the near side in 2020, is also set for November 22, 2023. This offers a dual opportunity for researchers to delve into comparative studies of lunar samples from both sides of the Moon.
This initiative by CNSA not only underscores China's growing prowess in space exploration but also sets the stage for significant scientific discoveries that could alter our understanding of the Moon and its place in our solar system.
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