China is gearing up to launch a robotic spacecraft on the moon, specifically targeting the reverse side of the satellite in the coming days. This mission is the first of three intricate missions planned to pave the way for the first Chinese manned landing and the establishment of a base at the South Pole of the Moon.
Since China’s first lunar mission in 2007, named after the mythical Chinese goddess Luna, the country has made significant progress in lunar exploration, narrowing the technological gap with the USA and Russia. In 2020, China successfully returned samples from the near side of the moon for the first time in four decades, showcasing its ability to safely retrieve spacecraft back to Earth.
The upcoming Chan-6 mission, set to launch this week, will utilize a spare spacecraft from the 2020 mission to gather soil and rocks from the unexplored back side of the moon. Due to the lack of direct visibility with Earth, Chan-6 will rely on a recently deployed relay satellite orbiting the moon. The mission, lasting 53 days, will culminate in an unprecedented take-off from the “hidden” side of the moon for its journey back home.
Furthermore, this relay satellite system will prove crucial for the subsequent Chan-7 and Chan-8 missions in 2026 and 2028, respectively, as China embarks on exploring the South Pole for water resources and constructing an initial outpost in collaboration with Russia. China aims to land its astronauts on the moon by 2030.
China’s ambitious lunar plans have raised concerns at NASA, as there are fears China may lay claim to water resources. Despite this, Beijing has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with all nations towards a shared future. Notably, the Chan-6 mission will carry scientific payloads from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan, while Chan-7 will include contributions from Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand.
In a separate program called “Artemis,” NASA also intends to send American astronauts to land near the South Pole in 2026, marking the first human mission to the moon since 1972.
Clive Neal, a Professor of Planetary Geology at the University of Notre Dame, stressed the importance of international cooperation for lunar exploration, expressing hope for improved collaboration between China and the USA in the future.
Leonard David, author of the book “Lunar Race: New Space Competition,” highlighted the significance of a successful Chan-6 mission, stating that if accomplished, it would be a milestone event. The robot’s exploration of the moon’s reverse side and the return of samples to Earth are expected to provide valuable insights