In a historic display of international scientific collaboration, lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions made their global debut at the United Nations Office in Vienna on June 25. The specimens – including material from both the moon's near side and its elusive far side – were showcased during the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
The exhibition marks the first public viewing of these extraterrestrial materials since their collection during China's landmark lunar exploration program. Chang'e-5 retrieved samples from the moon's near side in 2020, while Chang'e-6 recently completed humanity's first successful far side sample return mission.
Diplomats and space agency representatives from over 100 countries examined the sealed containers through specialized viewing windows. The display coincided with discussions about strengthening international cooperation in space exploration and resource utilization under UN frameworks.
Scientists highlight the samples' potential to unlock new insights into lunar geology and the solar system's evolution. The far side material – never before studied on Earth – could reveal differences in mineral composition compared to near side samples collected by previous missions.
This exhibition comes as COPUOS members work to update guidelines for space resource management. The event underscores China's growing role in global space governance while demonstrating its commitment to shared scientific progress through multilateral platforms.
