China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission is underway. It is attempting to achieve a world-first in returning the first samples back to Earth from the far side of the Moon.
There are instruments on the spacecraft from a number of different countries. An Italian laser is on-board, along with a Swedish apparatus to measure negative ions, plus a Pakistani ice detector.
France’s contribution to the mission is its DORN instrument to detect radon gas and to study the transport of lunar dust.
One area where both countries have deepened their ties is science, and the subject came up when both presidents held talks in Paris on May 6, on the first full day of Xi Jinping’s state visit to France.
During his visit to China last year, French President Emmanuel Macron was presented with 1.5 grams of moon dust that had been brought to Earth by China’s previous Chang’e-5 mission.
President Xi’s gift underlined the importance both countries place on space missions and scientific research.
https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2024-05-08/Chang-e-6-mission-illustrates-France-China-space-cooperation-1tpHxJHMinm/p.html