← Back to missionscompletedLunar far-side sample return
Chang'e-6
嫦娥六号
As of: 01/06/2026Planned: 2024
Source/Licence: placeholder image – to be cleared
Overview
First-ever sample return from the lunar far side: in June 2024 Chang’e-6 (嫦娥六号) returned about 1,935 g of material from the South Pole-Aitken Basin. It carried, according to official statements, international instruments from France, ESA, Italy and Pakistan.
As of: 01 Jun 2026.
Quick facts
- Status
- completed
- Planned
- 2024
- Launch vehicle
- Long March 5 (CZ-5)
- Launch site
- Wenchang Space Launch Site
- Operator
- CLEP / CNSA
Mission goals
- First-ever sample return from the far side of the Moon
- Sample collection in the South Pole–Aitken Basin
- Carrying international instruments (France, ESA, Italy, Pakistan)
Timeline / milestones
- May 2024Launch
- June 2024Landing and sample collection in the South Pole–Aitken Basin
- June 2024Capsule return with about 1,935 g of lunar material
Scientific results / significance
Analysis of the returned basalt samples points to an unusually oxygen-depleted ("ultra-reduced") region of the lunar mantle — a new piece of the puzzle for understanding the Moon's early thermal and chemical differentiation.
Video
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