New lunar samples collected during a Chinese spatial program

 

Lunar exploration started 60 years ago with the launch of programs like Apollo and Luna. In 2020, China successfully collected samples from the surface of the Moon’s near side during the Chang’e 5 mission. 2 kgs of lunar regolithic soil is expected to reach Earth by December, 16 2020. The Chinese lunar exploration program also known as Chang’e project started in 2007. It is divided into many phases during which many specific tasks are accomplished such as mapping and exploring the lunar surface. One of these tasks is sample-return mission. Samples will provide further information about the formation and the composition of our close companion. Future missions are expected also from NASA and other agencies. The next decade will be the space exploration decade!