China is advancing its preparations for the Chang’e-6 lunar probe, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious lunar exploration program. The probe is slated for launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, a state-of-the-art facility that has been the cornerstone of China’s recent space endeavors.
On Saturday morning, the Long March 5 carrier rocket, with the 8.2-metric-tonne Chang’e-6 probe mounted atop, was meticulously moved to its designated launch tower. This critical operation signifies the final stages of readiness before the much-anticipated mission embarks on its journey to the Moon.
The Chang’e-6 mission is poised to further China’s lunar exploration by attempting to collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon. Building on the success of the Chang’e-5 mission, which brought back lunar samples in 2020, Chang’e-6 aims to delve deeper into the mysteries of our celestial neighbor.
The Wenchang Space Launch Center, located in the southern island province of Hainan, offers strategic advantages for such missions, including proximity to the equator for enhanced launch efficiency and over-the-sea flight paths for safety.
China’s lunar exploration program, named after the Moon goddess Chang’e from Chinese mythology, has rapidly advanced over the past decade. The upcoming mission underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and exploration, contributing valuable scientific data to the global community.
Global audiences eagerly await the launch, as it represents not only a national achievement but also a significant contribution to human understanding of the Moon. The mission’s success could pave the way for future explorations, including potential crewed missions and the establishment of lunar research stations.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Chang’e-6 mission as China moves closer to launching this groundbreaking probe to the Moon.
Reference(s):
Live: A closer look at Chang'e-6 lunar probe's launch site – Ep. 2
cgtn.com