A view from the Chang'e-5 lunar lander as the ascent vehicle lifts off on Dec. 3, with glare from the Sun. It will attempt rendezvous and docking Dec. 5. Credit: CNSA/CLEP HELSINKI — China’s Chang’e-5 ...

The first lunar sample-return mission since the 1970s is underway. China's robotic Chang'e 5 mission launched today (Nov. 23) from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province, rising into the sky ...

China's Chang'e-5, the first lunar sample return mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 in 1976, delivered 1.73 kilograms of regolith from the Oceanus Procellarum, a plane named for its vast size.

For the first time, NASA-funded researchers can apply for access to lunar samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate ...

Liftoff of the Chang'e-5 atop a Long March 5 rocket at Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. Credit: CNSA HELSINKI — A Long March 5 rocket launched China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft Monday to kick off a 23-day ...