[Explanation] On December 17, the Chang'e-5 probe returned to Earth after completing automatic lunar sampling and successfully landed at the Siziwang Banner landing site in Inner Mongolia.
Pei Zhaoyu, deputy director of the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, deputy chief designer of the third phase of the lunar exploration project, and spokesperson for the Chang'e 5 mission, said in an exclusive interview with China News Agency that the mission, Chang'e The No. 5 probe completed the automatic lunar surface sampling in only 19 hours, which was less than expected. Using the time saved, Chang'e No. 5 carried out some other tasks.
[Concurrent] Pei Zhaoyu, Deputy Director of the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, Chang'e-5 mission spokesperson
At first, we thought that the surface of the (landing site) was a bit like the landform at the junction of the desert and the Gobi. We thought that the (moon surface) was relatively hard, and (later) it was okay to sample by surface sampling, which is better, so the sampling time is saved. Up.
(Utilizing) the time saved, we have carried out some other tasks, such as the display of the national flag, the second full detection of the payload, and some preparations for the ascent. These tasks were originally reserved for 8 hours, but now it seems More calm.
[Explanation] The "Space Express" brought back by the Chang'e-5 probe needs to be tested and registered after being unsealed in the earth environment.
[Concurrent] Pei Zhaoyu, Deputy Director of the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, Chang'e-5 mission spokesperson
First, it must be unsealed. Because the sample container is encapsulated in a vacuum state, after it enters the earth, it must be operated in the earth's environment, which is also different from ordinary cans.
After unsealing, the samples are divided into samples for basic characteristics and physical and chemical characteristics tests.
Then sample registration is required, which means that a file must be created for each sample.
[Explanation] Pei Zhaoyu said that samples are important basic materials for scientific research, and sample management methods will be formulated from the perspective of scientific research, and specific regulations will be made on how to manage samples and how to distribute them.
[Concurrent] Pei Zhaoyu, Deputy Director of the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, Chang'e-5 mission spokesperson
On the one hand, we will organize domestic scientists to conduct research on samples. At the same time, it is also proposed in the management measures that we will actively carry out international cooperation in sample research.
We also welcome foreign scientists to conduct research on samples.
It is necessary to establish a committee of scientists to collect plans and suggestions for sample research from the international community, and evaluate these suggestions through the committee of scientists, and consider which suggestions are of scientific value, the use of samples is reasonable, and the management of samples is orderly and reliable.
In this way, decide which samples to provide and which research to conduct.
Cheng Yu Guo Chaokai reports from Beijing
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】