- China launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into the less-explored region.
- The rocket carrying the Chang’e-6 lunar probe lifted off from the Wenchang launch centre on the island province of Hainan.
- China also has a three-member crew on its own orbiting space station and aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030.
- Free from exposure to Earth and other interference, the moon’s mysterious far side is ideal for radio astronomy and other scientific work.
- As the far side never faces Earth, a relay satellite is needed to maintain communications.
Dig Deeper: Read about Far side of the moon and reason why we see only one side of the moon.
