China’s mission to the dark side

China’s Chang’e 6 uncrewed, robotic spacecraft is designed to obtain the first-ever soil and rock samples from the lunar far side and return them safely to Earth 

CHANG’E 6
Ascent Unit
Solar panels
Lander
Drill


Lighter colours indicate higher terrain
FAR SIDE
Chang’e 4 landing site
Chang’e 6 landing site
South Pole

China was first nation to land on far side of moon with Chang’e 4 on Jan 3, 2019
Service Module

MISSION
(53 days)
1. After flying to moon, ship separates, with Ascent Unit/Lander heading to surface, while Return Vehicle/ Service Module remains in orbit

2. Drill and mechanical arm gather lunar rocks and soil. Ascent Unit blasts off and returns to lunar orbit

3. Ascent Unit docks with Return Vehicle and transfers lunar soil and rocks to it

4. Service Module travels to Earth. Return Vehicle detaches and parachutes back to surface

Adapter
Discarded at separation

Unfolding solar array

Return Vehicle Houses lunar samples



Sources: Reuters, Space.com, eoPortal, The Planetary Society, CNSA, NASA © GRAPHIC NEWS
Carries equipment to moon and back