China allocates lunar samples for new research projects

China's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, part of the China National Space Administration, has approved its eighth batch of lunar sample research applications. These applications allow scientists to borrow lunar material collected during the Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 missions.

A total of 8,550.4 milligrams of lunar samples will be distributed among 18 researchers representing 16 institutions, including the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the University of Hong Kong, the Macau University of Science and Technology, Beihang University, and Wuhan University.

The Chang'e 6 mission marked a historic milestone by collecting 1,935.3 grams of material from the moon's far side, the first such achievement in human history. Additionally, the earlier Chang'e 5 mission retrieved 1,731 grams of lunar samples.

Ge Ping, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, emphasized China's openness to collaboration. "China has maintained a positive and open attitude and welcomes scientists from all countries to submit applications in accordance with the relevant procedures," he said.

Since July 2021, when China delivered its first batch of lunar samples to research institutions, the country has supported a broad range of studies. These include investigations into lunar surface processes, the timing of volcanic activity, the moon's evolutionary history, and the composition of its minerals and volatiles.