China’s space agency has released the list of approved research applications for the 8th batch of lunar samples, allowing applicants to borrow the samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions.
A total of 8,550.4 milligrams of lunar samples will be loaned to 18 researchers from 16 research institutions, the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center of the China National Space Administration said Friday.
These institutions include the Geological University of China (Beijing), the University of Hong Kong, the Macau University of Science and Technology, the Beijing Aeronautics and Astronautics University and the University of Wuhan.
The Chinese Chang’e-6 mission collected for the first time in human history 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the Moon. The Chang’e-5 mission recovered approximately 1,731 grams of lunar samples.
China has maintained a positive and open attitude and welcomes scientists from all countries to submit their applications in accordance with established procedures, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the center.
In July 2021, China delivered the first batch of lunar samples to research institutes. So far, the country has loaned seven batches of lunar samples to institutions to carry out studies in areas such as the lunar surface process, the age of volcanic activity, the process of lunar evolution and mineral and volatile composition.
