Chinese moon probe finished collecting stones

The Chinese lunar lander Chang’e 5 has finished collecting rocks and debris on the lunar surface. According to flight control, this is more than a day earlier than planned.

Named after a Chinese moon goddess, the Chang’e is now preparing for the journey home again. The lander will fly back to the mothership still in orbit around the moon. After that, a return capsule begins its several days’ journey to Earth.

China has not yet disclosed how much material has been collected in the 19 hours on the moon. They had indicated in advance that they wanted to collect 2 kilos of moonstone by shoveling grit and drilling into the soil.

Newer rock

China wants to become the third country to bring lunar material to Earth with the Chang’e 5, launched on November 24, following missions by the US and the Soviet Union half a century ago. If the trip is successful, it will be the first time since 1976 that moon rocks have come to Earth.

As landing site, China chose the volcanic formation of Mons Rümker in Oceanus Procellarum, the Ocean of Storms. The material there is less old than the places where the Americans and Russians landed. This should provide a more complete picture of lunar geology.

The samples should land in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in mid-December.

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