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 spacecraft

2 mission-specific spacecraft and test articles, plus 0 launch systems and shared hardware records.

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Four-element robotic lunar sample-return spacecraftNovember 24, 2020

Chang'e 5 orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender

Chang'e 5 orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender divides a complete lunar sample-return chain among specialized elements.

Four-element robotic lunar sample-return spacecraftMay 3, 2024

Chang'e 6 orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender

Chang'e 6 orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender divides a complete lunar sample-return chain among specialized elements.