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Faced with the successful return of China's Chang'e-6 to Earth, the NASA Administrator has raised questions.

  • Writer: CosDream News
    CosDream News
  • Jul 3, 2024
  • 3 min read

In June 2024, China's Chang'e 6 lunar orbiter successfully returned to Earth, bringing back precious lunar samples.


However, this achievement sparked questioning from Jim Bridenstine, the head of NASA, triggering significant debate and discussion in the aerospace community.

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Bridenstine raised three concerns that, while reasonable to him, sparked rebuttals and interpretations from many others.


Firstly, let's examine the specific concerns Bridenstine raised.


He believed that the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e 6 contained water, questioning China's aerospace technological capabilities and expressing concerns about potential lunar contamination from the mission.

So, why would simply bringing back lunar rock samples lead to so much controversy?


The success of the Chang'e 6 mission undoubtedly holds significant scientific importance.


Chang'e 6 landed on the far side of the Moon at Mons Rumker, successfully completing its mission to collect lunar samples before safely returning to Earth and landing in Chabeketan, Mongolia.

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These samples have been sent to the Chinese Academy of Sciences for in-depth study. Scientists hope that through these samples, they can better understand the lunar geological structure and evolutionary history, and even explore potential water resources on the Moon.


Studying these samples not only reveals the lunar evolution process but also provides crucial information for human habitation on the Moon in the future.

Through studying these samples, scientists can better understand the lunar impact history, volcanic activity, and the chemical effects of solar wind on the lunar surface.


Additionally, studying lunar samples contributes to the search for underground water resources on the Moon, crucial for establishing sustainable scientific research bases on the Moon in the future.


Looking ahead, China plans to continue with the Chang'e 7, 8, and 9 missions, each intended to bring back more lunar samples, providing richer data for scientific research.

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These missions not only lay the groundwork for human lunar landings but also accumulate experience for future Mars exploration missions.


However, Bridenstine's concerns have also sparked widespread discussion.


Firstly, regarding the issue of water in lunar samples, scientists point out that liquid water may indeed exist on the lunar surface, especially in some sunlit "pits" that may contain critical water sources.


Bridenstine's concerns may stem from a lack of deep understanding of relevant scientific research.


Secondly, regarding the questioning of China's aerospace technological level, experts believe this viewpoint is unfounded.


The complexity and difficulty of the Chang'e 6 mission far surpass many previous missions, fully demonstrating China's strong aerospace capabilities.

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Lastly, concerning the issue of lunar contamination, Chinese aerospace experts state that the Chang'e 6 mission strictly adhered to international space standards and did not pollute the Moon.


After completing its mission, the Chang'e 6 orbiter returned to Earth without leaving any harmful substances behind.


The international community's response to Bridenstine's concerns varies.


Some international space agencies support China's lunar exploration achievements, while others remain neutral.


Despite some domestic support for Bridenstine's views within the United States, more people express doubts and puzzlement over his concerns.


Space exploration should be a shared endeavor of all humanity, rather than a tool for great power rivalry.


A calm and rational approach to other countries' space achievements helps promote international cooperation and advance the collective exploration of space by humanity.


The success of Chang'e 6 is not only China's pride but also a significant step for all humanity. We should embrace an open mindset to jointly welcome a promising future of space exploration.


As scientists delve deeper into the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e 6, it is expected that more important information about the origin and evolution of the Moon will be revealed.


These studies will not only propel lunar science forward but also lay a more solid foundation for establishing permanent scientific research bases on the Moon in the future.


Simultaneously, with technological advancements and improved aerospace capabilities, human exploration of space will continue to deepen, bringing more discoveries and revelations about the mysteries of the universe.


Within the framework of international space cooperation, space agencies from various countries can share resources and experiences, jointly advancing humanity's exploration of space.


The success of the Chang'e 6 mission serves as a positive example, showcasing the potential and importance of multinational cooperation in space exploration.


The success of the Chang'e 6 mission not only marks a new milestone for China's aerospace industry but also injects new momentum and inspiration into the global aerospace community.


We look forward to more similar achievements in the future, collectively opening a new chapter in humanity's exploration of the cosmos.

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