How does Chang'e-6 retrieve lunar soil?

The Chang'e-6 probe has achieved efficient collection of lunar soil on the far side of the moon through advanced surface sampling and drilling sampling technologies. Surface sampling is similar to using a small shovel to scoop soil, while drilling sampling uses a drill rod to collect deep samples 2.5 meters below the lunar surface. The application of these technologies enables Chang'e-6 to quickly, intelligently, and autonomously complete the lunar back sampling task, providing valuable lunar soil samples for scientific research.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

Chang'e-6 can be said to be the most complex unmanned probe in human history. Not only does it inherit the complex components of Chang'e-5, with 63 sets of mechanical subsystems, 119 pyrotechnic devices, and 655 sets of instruments and equipment, but it also involves world-class difficulties such as multi spacecraft lunar orbit coordination and unmanned lunar orbit docking. It will even separate a Pakistani CubeSat in lunar orbit. On May 3, 2024 at 17:27, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe was launched by the Long March 5 Yao-8 carrier rocket from Station 101 of the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China. After about 2210 seconds, the probe separated and entered the Earth Moon Transfer Orbit (TLI) with a perigee altitude of about 200 kilometers and an apogee altitude of about 380000 kilometers. The Chang'e-6 mission is the first lunar landing mission of the fourth phase of China's lunar exploration program, and also the first human sample return mission from the far side of the moon. The preferred landing area for the mission is located in the Antarctic Aitken Basin (S.