The Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Space Research announced: "On June 3, 2026, the Institute received soil samples. These are the world's first lunar regolith samples retrieved from the far side of the Moon by China's Chang'e-6 probe in 2024. The handover of the lunar soil took place within the framework of bilateral cooperation between China and Russia on developing space science and lunar exploration."

According to Russian media reports, China transferred 1.5 grams of lunar soil to Russia. This batch was collected by the Chang'e-6 probe from the far side of the Moon in 2024 and brought back to Earth. It also marks the first time China has opened up samples from the lunar far side for research by foreign scientific institutions.

First confirm this information is genuine. Authoritative sources—including the official website of the Russian Academy of Sciences, South China Morning Post, RT, and Tencent News—have all reported on it, and the Chinese authorities have not denied it.

Sampling from the lunar far side represents humanity’s first attempt at such a feat, with extremely high technical difficulty. Opening up these precious “world’s first” samples from the far side to foreign countries is itself a powerful demonstration of strong technological confidence. It signals to the world that China is no longer merely a participant in deep-space exploration but has become a rule-maker and resource holder in this domain. Such openness is predicated on dominance—only those who truly master core technologies can afford the confidence to engage in international collaboration.

For a long time, research on lunar samples has been largely monopolized by the United States and the Soviet Union (Russia). As the third nation to master lunar sample-return technology, China’s proactive opening of its samples to friendly countries breaks down the traditional "club-style" barriers in scientific research. This not only helps enhance the planetary science capabilities of partner nations like Russia, but also provides new platforms and opportunities for Global South countries to participate in cutting-edge space science, promoting a more equitable and diverse landscape in space exploration. This stands in sharp contrast to certain nations’ practices of weaponizing space resources or dividing them into blocs, thereby strengthening China’s moral advantage in the international arena.

With China’s growing space capabilities, new forms of international space cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit are rapidly taking shape. In the future, who will make greater discoveries on the Moon will depend not just on whose probes travel farther, but on who can embrace global wisdom with a more open heart.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867594255830028/

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