For the first time, visitors at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, are witnessing a piece of lunar history up close. China’s Chang’e-6 mission has brought back samples from the moon’s far side, and these precious artifacts are now on public display.
The lunar soil, weighing approximately 75 milligrams, was collected from the largest, deepest, and oldest impact crater on the moon’s far side—an area where the lunar crust is at its thinnest. This marks the first public welfare exhibit of samples from Chang’e-6, offering a rare glimpse into the mysteries of our celestial neighbor.
“The lunar samples are expected to draw significant public interest,” said Zhang Tao, an official with the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Visitors have the unique opportunity to see the samples that could unlock answers about the moon’s evolution and the broader cosmos.
The exhibition doesn’t stop at the lunar soil. Also on display are the Chang’e-6 return capsule, the parachute that safely delivered the samples back to Earth, and the sealed container used during the lunar soil collection. Each artifact tells a part of the story of the mission’s success and China’s strides in space exploration.
In June, the Chang’e-6 mission made history by returning 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples—the first time humanity has retrieved material from the moon’s far side. These samples are of immense scientific value, poised to enhance our understanding of lunar geology and accelerate the peaceful exploration and utilization of lunar resources.
Airshow China, running from November 12 to 17, has been a vital platform since 1996 for showcasing advanced aviation and aerospace technology. This year’s event continues the tradition, highlighting not only technological achievements from China but also fostering international collaboration and interest in aerospace advancements.
For space enthusiasts, researchers, and the curious public alike, the display of Chang’e-6 lunar samples is more than an exhibition—it’s an invitation to be part of humanity’s ongoing journey to understand the universe.
