China displays lunar samples from near and far sides of the Moon

Beijing exhibition showcases China's lunar samples collected by Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6.

A researcher displays lunar samples collected by the Chang'e-6 mission at the Lunar Sample Laboratory of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, on September 24, 2024. Photo by Jin Liwang/Xinhua

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

For the first time, China has displayed lunar samples from both the near and far sides of the Moon in a special exhibition that officially opened on April 1 in Beijing. These Moon rock samples, collected by the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions, mark a significant milestone in China’s space exploration program, showcasing the country’s advancements in lunar research and technology.

The exhibition, held at the National Museum of China, is themed around China’s two-decade-long lunar exploration efforts. It is organized by the museum in collaboration with the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The display provides the public with a rare opportunity to witness China’s lunar achievements, emphasizing the nation’s progress in space science.

China’s lunar samples displayed together for the first time

The lunar samples displayed in the exhibition come from two groundbreaking missions:

Chang’e-5 (2020): This mission successfully retrieved 1.73 kilograms of lunar material from the Moon’s near side, specifically from the Mare Imbrium region.
Chang’e-6 (2024): The mission collected samples from the Moon’s far side, marking the first time in history that material from this unexplored region has been brought back to Earth.

The exhibition allows visitors to compare these two sets of lunar materials, offering valuable insights into the geological differences between the Moon’s near and far sides. Scientists believe that studying these Moon rocks could help unravel the Moon’s formation history and provide clues about the early solar system’s evolution.

A glimpse into China’s two-decade-long lunar exploration

China’s lunar exploration program officially began in 2004, leading to a series of successful Chang’e missions that have expanded humanity’s understanding of the Moon. The exhibition features hundreds of valuable artifacts, images, and documents detailing China’s ambitious journey into space.

According to the organizers, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of China’s lunar exploration efforts, highlighting:

The historical background of China’s space program.
The development of lunar missions over the past two decades.
Major achievements of the Chang’e missions.
Future goals for China’s lunar and deep-space exploration.

Visitors can explore rare images captured by lunar orbiters, detailed mission blueprints, and interactive displays showcasing the technology behind China’s robotic landers and sample-return systems.

Chang’e missions shaping the future of lunar exploration

The Chang’e lunar program has been instrumental in advancing China’s space capabilities. Each mission has played a crucial role in scientific discovery and technological innovation:

Chang’e-1 (2007) and Chang’e-2 (2010): Orbited the Moon and mapped its surface.
Chang’e-3 (2013): Successfully landed the Yutu rover, marking China’s first soft landing on the Moon.
Chang’e-4 (2019): Became the first mission in history to land on the far side of the Moon, deploying the Yutu-2 rover.
Chang’e-5 (2020): Collected the first lunar samples returned to Earth since 1976.
Chang’e-6 (2024): First-ever mission to retrieve far-side lunar samples, overcoming significant technical challenges.

With Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 planned for the late 2020s, China aims to establish a lunar research base and contribute to global space exploration efforts.

Public engagement and scientific significance

The exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including scientists, students, and space enthusiasts, who are eager to learn more about China’s lunar discoveries. Experts believe that the far-side lunar samples could provide groundbreaking insights into the Moon’s geological evolution.

The Chang’e-6 samples, in particular, may contain materials unexposed to solar radiation, preserving clues about cosmic history that could deepen humanity’s understanding of planetary formation.

Exhibition schedule and future prospects

The China lunar exploration exhibition at the National Museum of China will run for two months, giving visitors ample time to explore its vast collection of Moon samples, mission data, and scientific exhibits.

China’s space agency has also hinted at future exhibitions featuring Mars mission artifacts and deep-space exploration projects, reflecting the country’s growing ambitions in space exploration.

As China continues to push the boundaries of lunar science, its contributions to global space research are becoming increasingly significant. The display of lunar samples from both the near and far sides of the Moon marks a new chapter in humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos.