Hold onto your lab coats, space lovers! China’s lunar exploration program is taking a giant leap for global collaboration. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced it will open applications for scientists worldwide to study precious samples from the Chang’e-6 moon mission—and this policy is here to stay.
“This is our policy,” said CNSA Vice Administrator Bian Zhigang, teasing a future where space projects like the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) could be co-designed with global partners from day one. Imagine a sci-fi team-up, but real: Think NASA meets CNSA meets ESA, all pooling brainpower (and moon dust) to unlock cosmic secrets.
Why does this matter? Lunar soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a time capsule of the solar system’s history. Sharing samples means faster breakthroughs in understanding moon geology, potential resources, and even clues about Earth’s origins. Plus, with plans for joint missions, tomorrow’s space race might look more like a relay race—passing the baton across borders.
For young innovators and researchers: This is your invite to the coolest science project ever. Whether you’re a startup founder eyeing space tech or a student dreaming of astrobiology, these samples could fuel the next big discovery.
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CNSA to open access to Chang'e-6 lunar samples to global scientists
cgtn.com