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The Chang'e 6 capsule landed in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia on Tuesday.

The Chang'e 6 capsule landed in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia on Tuesday. CCTV Screenshot by NPR hide caption

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CCTV Screenshot by NPR

Space

China has just returned the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon

The far side of the moon looks very different from the near side, and with the Chang'e 6 mission, scientists are hoping to learn why.

Chang'e 6 Sample Return

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50 years since the last Apollo astronauts went to the moon, NASA is finally going back

Orion's maximum distance from Earth was achieved on flight day 13, when it was 268,563 miles away. That's farther than any other spacecraft built for people--but only mannequins were on board. NASA/JSC hide caption

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NASA/JSC

Science

50 years since the last Apollo astronauts went to the moon, NASA is finally going back

December 7, 1972 was the launch of the final mission in NASA's Apollo moon program. Fifty years later, NASA finally seems poised to return people to the lunar surface.

Chinese Lunar Probe Is On Its Way Back To Earth, Carrying Moon Rocks

This graphic simulation image provided by China National Space Administration shows the orbiter and returner combination of China's Chang'e-5 probe after its separation from the ascender. The probe is on its way back to Earth, bearing gifts. China National Space Administration/Xinhua via AP hide caption

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China National Space Administration/Xinhua via AP

Space

Chinese Lunar Probe Is On Its Way Back To Earth, Carrying Moon Rocks

It's the first time in over 40 years that fresh lunar samples are being brought back to Earth. Scientists hope to gain a better understanding of lunar volcanic activity and the age of various craters.

Moon Rocks Still Awe, And Scientists Hope To Get Their Hands On More

Buzz Aldrin (left) practices collecting a sample while Neil Armstrong photographs during a training session before the Apollo 11 mission. The Apollo 11 astronauts returned with about 50 pounds of material, including 50 rocks. NASA hide caption

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NASA

The Apollo 11 Moon Landing, 50 Years Later

Moon Rocks Still Awe, And Scientists Hope To Get Their Hands On More

Fifty years ago, Apollo astronauts collected their first moon rocks. Those samples are still being studied to mine lunar secrets. And scientists are hoping to get access to more of them soon.

Moon Rocks Still Awe, And Scientists Hope To Get Their Hands On More

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