Last week, the Chinese probe Chang’e-6 successfully returned to Earth and made history by returning samples from the far side of the moon. This ground-breaking mission of the probe, which landed in Inner Mongolia (Northern China) on June 25, yielded initial findings indicating the presence of graphene (a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms, considered the thinnest material in the world) that could revolutionize humanity’s understanding of the moon’s formation. The Chang’e-6 mission is part of China’s ambitious lunar exploration program, managed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This mission follows the successful Chang’e-5 mission, which delivered lunar samples to Earth in December 2020—the first such achievement since the Soviet Union’s Luna 24 mission in 1976.
China’s space program has come a long way since Mao Zedong announced the development of a domestic program in 1957, following the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in the same year. From the launch of the first satellite in 1970 to the sending of the first taikonaut (Chinese space pilot, tàikōng, “space” + -naut) into space in 2003, China has built a formidable presence in space. Under President Xi Jinping, the nation’s “space dream” has accelerated, aiming to catch up with the United States and Russia. Follow-up missions in the program include Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, which aim to develop interstellar probe missions and establish a lunar-based research station by 2030. In addition, China is preparing to send a taikonaut to the moon by 2030.
China’s space ambitions are not all about scientific research but also serve strategic and geopolitical purposes. Beijing sees space as a critical realm for its future security and economic interests. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) extends into space, with China promoting launch services, satellites, and the BeiDou Global Navigation System, as well as fostering dependence on Chinese space-based services under the “Space Silk Road.” China’s space program is also a key component of its military-civilian fusion strategy, which combines space capabilities with national security goals, including the development of weapons for space warfare and the establishment of an expanding network of ground-space stations around the world. Furthermore, space is also an arena of conflict with the United States. The deputy of the CNSA invited scientists from around the world to study samples from the Chang’e-6 mission, but in order to cooperate with the United States, it is necessary first to “remove obstacles,” including canceling the restrictions that prohibit NASA from funding cooperation with China without the approval of the FBI and the US Congress.
The Chang’e-6 mission highlights China’s advanced space capabilities and its determination to establish its position as a major player in space exploration. With continued investment and international cooperation, China is poised to achieve significant milestones, advance its geopolitical ambitions, and contribute to humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.
Last week, the Chinese probe Chang’e-6 successfully returned to Earth and made history by returning samples from the far side of the moon. This ground-breaking mission of the probe, which landed in Inner Mongolia (Northern China) on June 25, yielded initial findings indicating the presence of graphene (a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms, considered the thinnest material in the world) that could revolutionize humanity’s understanding of the moon’s formation. The Chang’e-6 mission is part of China’s ambitious lunar exploration program, managed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This mission follows the successful Chang’e-5 mission, which delivered lunar samples to Earth in December 2020—the first such achievement since the Soviet Union’s Luna 24 mission in 1976.
China’s space program has come a long way since Mao Zedong announced the development of a domestic program in 1957, following the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in the same year. From the launch of the first satellite in 1970 to the sending of the first taikonaut (Chinese space pilot, tàikōng, “space” + -naut) into space in 2003, China has built a formidable presence in space. Under President Xi Jinping, the nation’s “space dream” has accelerated, aiming to catch up with the United States and Russia. Follow-up missions in the program include Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, which aim to develop interstellar probe missions and establish a lunar-based research station by 2030. In addition, China is preparing to send a taikonaut to the moon by 2030.
China’s space ambitions are not all about scientific research but also serve strategic and geopolitical purposes. Beijing sees space as a critical realm for its future security and economic interests. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) extends into space, with China promoting launch services, satellites, and the BeiDou Global Navigation System, as well as fostering dependence on Chinese space-based services under the “Space Silk Road.” China’s space program is also a key component of its military-civilian fusion strategy, which combines space capabilities with national security goals, including the development of weapons for space warfare and the establishment of an expanding network of ground-space stations around the world. Furthermore, space is also an arena of conflict with the United States. The deputy of the CNSA invited scientists from around the world to study samples from the Chang’e-6 mission, but in order to cooperate with the United States, it is necessary first to “remove obstacles,” including canceling the restrictions that prohibit NASA from funding cooperation with China without the approval of the FBI and the US Congress.
The Chang’e-6 mission highlights China’s advanced space capabilities and its determination to establish its position as a major player in space exploration. With continued investment and international cooperation, China is poised to achieve significant milestones, advance its geopolitical ambitions, and contribute to humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.