China’s Chang’e-6 mission returns to Earth with first samples from moon’s far side

China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe touched down on Earth on June 25, 2024, bringing back the world’s first rock samples from the far side of the moon. The re-entry capsule brought around 2kg (4.5lbs) of rocks back from the moon. These samples might reveal more about the moon, as well as the Earth and solar system. Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the historic achievement in a written address to the Chang’e-6 team.