China urges global scientists to study lunar samples, notes US barrier

China Invites Global Scientists to Study Lunar Samples, But Restrictions Apply

China's space officials extended an invitation to international scientists to study lunar rock samples from the Chang'e 6 mission, but noted limitations concerning the United States. In a televised news conference in Beijing, the officials outlined the mission's accomplishments and addressed the United States' restrictions on direct bilateral cooperation due to the Wolf Amendment.

Bian Zhigang, vice chair of the China National Space Administration, pointed out that the U.S. law is the primary barrier to collaboration in aerospace activities between the two nations. He suggested that if the U.S. wishes to initiate regular aerospace cooperation, efforts should be made to remove this legislative hurdle.

Enacted in 2011, the Wolf Amendment restricts direct U.S.-Chinese bilateral cooperation unless the FBI certifies that no national security risks are involved in the information sharing. Despite this, China has managed to collaborate with other countries. The Chang'e 6 mission involved partnerships with the European Space Agency, France, Italy, and Pakistan.

Liu Yunfeng, director of the international cooperation office of the China National Space Administration, reiterated China's openness to global scientific collaboration. Scientists worldwide are encouraged to apply through the proper channels to share in the mission's benefits.

Mysterious Lunar Discoveries Await

Details regarding the specifics of the lunar samples gathered remain scant. Chinese officials withheld information on the exact quantity of samples or any initial findings, prompting a wait for further disclosures. Chief designer of Chang'e 6, Hu Hao, indicated that more details would be provided the following day.

The collected samples are expected to include 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rocks and materials that could potentially resolve long-standing questions concerning the moon’s geological disparities. The mission aimed to collect over four pounds of material.

Historic Achievement

The Chang'e 6 probe marked a historical milestone by successfully landing on the moon's far side, retrieving samples, and returning to Earth. This is significant as it was the first direct collection from the far side, contrasting with previous samples thought to originate from meteorites found on Earth.

The probe's landing site, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, is an ancient impact crater over 4 billion years old. Anticipated samples from various layers of this basin will offer insights into the moon’s geological events, such as past volcanic activity.

Future Exploration Plans

China's space officials also outlined future plans, including the Chang'e 7 probe aimed at exploring lunar resources at the moon's South Pole. Looking ahead, they have ambitious goals including the Tianwen-3 mission for Mars sample return around 2030, and the Tianwen-4 mission for Jupiter exploration.