China opens lunar soil samples to international scientists
China’s Chang’e-6 mission, which returned with 1935.3 grams of lunar soil from the moon’s far side in June, represents a major milestone in space exploration. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of global cooperation, with international researchers invited to study these samples. The Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for 2026, will further boost collaboration with six international payloads and the development of the International Lunar Research Station. This openness marks China’s growing role in shaping the future of space exploration.