Chang’e-5 Makes a Grand Entrance: First Moon Hits Inner Mongolia in 50 Years
What the heck? China’s lunar explorer, Chang’e-5, has bounced off the Moon and landed back on Earth—right on Inner Mongolia’s dusty plains—bringing the first Moon rubble home since the 1970s. It’s kind of a feel‑good mission, but also a hefty scientific jackpot.
How It Worked
- After a brilliant journey orbiting the Moon, the probe launched back to Earth.
- The capsule shielded precious samples while cutting through our planet’s atmosphere.
- Touchdown? June 17, early Thursday, in the Siziwang (Dorbod) Banner.
Why This Is a Big Deal
- It’s the first time we’re getting a scoop of lunar material in 50+ years.
- Scientists can finally check what the Moon is actually made of—no more Dusty History.
- It showcases China’s growing space prowess.
What to Expect from the Samples
Researchers will analyze the rocks for clues about the Moon’s age, its volcanic past, and even possible alien influence—just kidding, but everything else is very real. Think of it as a cosmic treasure hunt, only with fewer pirates.
Fun Fact
In 1974, the first Moon hand sample landed in the U.S. back on Earth. Chang’e-5 did it 50 years later—and with a whole lot more fanfare!
Next Stop: Back to the Lab
Once the samples hit the lab, they’ll get the full detective treatment: scans, chemical tests, maybe even a coffee break in the cosmic lab.
So, cheers to China’s “Moon goes home” mission—may the dust be forever in our favor.
<img alt="" data-caption="A handout photo. Researchers work next to Chang'e-5 lunar return capsule carrying moon samples, after it landed in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, December 17, 2020.
PHOTO: China Daily/Asia News Network via Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”296c105a-e9f3-4a99-a40c-fdb1349c30c7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201217_researchersworkingnexttothecapsule_reuters.jpg”/>
China’s Lunar Sample Mission: A Milestone in Space History
On November 24, China fired off the Chang’e‑5 spacecraft, and by the start of December it had landed a tiny ship on the Moon’s surface. The mission’s success means Beijing joins the United States and the Soviet Union as the only countries that’ve actually picked up Earth‑return samples from the lunar surface.
Why This Matters
It’s been 44 years since the last successful sample‑return mission—back when the Soviets were still building their space empire. With Chang’e‑5, China has leap‑frogged decades of lunar exploration.
What Was Planned?
- Target to bring back about 2 kilograms (4.41 pounds) of lunar material.
- The amount finally collected hasn’t been announced yet, leaving a touch of mystery about how much Earth now has a piece of the Moon.
The Countdown to Return
China’s mooncraft nicely tucked the collected samples inside a cold vault, traveled back through Mars orbit, and finally reentered Earth’s atmosphere. As the footage show, the return capsule splashed down in the Pacific, where it was quickly offloaded and sealed.
Future Prospects
With this success, China is poised to push further into the lunar frontier—I’m predicting talks about a whole new set of missions coming up. Keep an eye there; the next chapter will be just as thrilling!
