June 23, 2024
Chang’e-6 heads for Earth
HELSINKI — China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft is on its way to Earth to deliver samples collected from the far side of the moon.
The Chang’e-6 service module likely fired its engines for a trans-Earth injection around June 21. The spacecraft is now on the final leg of its complex, 53-day voyage involving a lunar landing, sampling, ascent and docking. A reentry capsule containing the unique samples will be released from the service module shortly before arrival at Earth early June 25. Illustration credi The Chang'e-6 lander, topped with an ascent vehicle, imaged by a small rover in Apollo crater on the lunar far side. Credit: CNSA/CLEP
On the way to Earth from the far side of the Moon
More details »General