China will launch Chang'e-6 lunar probe

Beijing: China is set to launch its Chang'e-6 lunar probe to the Moon's mysterious far side to Earth -- the first endeavour of its kind in the history of human lunar exploration, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Friday.

According to the CNSA, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe is scheduled to be launched between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Beijing Time) (2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. IST) on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Chang'e-6 mission aims to collect and return samples from the Moon's mysterious far side to Earth.

The Long March-5 Y8 rocket, which will carry the Chang'e-6 probe, has begun the process of taking on liquid oxygen cryogenic propellant at the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the coast of China's southern island province of Hainan, the CNSA added. This propellant will serve as fuel for the carrier rocket.

The Chang'e-6 spacecraft comprises an orbiter, a lander, an ascender and a returner.

The mission will carry four payloads developed through international cooperation. Scientific instruments from France, Italy, and the European Space Agency are aboard the Chang'e-6 lander, while a small satellite from Pakistan is aboard the orbiter.