China delivers first samples collected from far side of the moon to Russian scientists

The rocks were collected during the Chang’e-6 mission and the handover is the first time foreign scientists will have a chance to study them

On June 3, 1.5 grams (0.05 ounces) of lunar soil collected during the mission were handed over to the Planetary Physics Department of the Russian Space Research Institute.

“The transfer of the soil samples took place as part of the development of cooperation in space science and lunar exploration between Russia and China,” the institute said.

“Researchers will study the composition of lunar material. Of particular interest is the search for volatile compounds that may have been preserved in the lunar soil as part of its constituent minerals.”

Identifying these compounds could help understand the history of the moon and guide future efforts to build up self-sustaining settlements on its surface.

The institute said the handover was part of a joint agreement between the two countries to study extraterrestrial matter, including samples from the moon, planets and other bodies in the solar system.