Program archive

Lunar sample return

Lunar is explored here through 2 archived missions, from Chang'e 5 through Chang'e 6, with the program’s spacecraft, people, milestones, and source-backed history connected along the way.

Missions: 2
People: 0
Vehicles: 2

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Lunar sample return science and payloads

The instruments, experiments, destinations, and scientific purpose connected to each robotic mission.

Robotic lunar sample returnChang'e 5Mission destination

Lander: Robotic arm, drill, cameras, and surface science instruments
Ascender: Carries the sealed sample container from the Moon to lunar orbit
Orbiter: Performs rendezvous, docking, sample transfer, and trans-Earth injection

Open science record →Robotic lunar sample returnChang'e 6Mission destination

Lander: Robotic arm, drill, cameras, and surface science instruments
Ascender: Carries the sealed sample container from the Moon to lunar orbit
Orbiter: Performs rendezvous, docking, sample transfer, and trans-Earth injection

Open science record →