China presents Chang'e-6 lunar regolith to UN in Vienna

China presented lunar regolith from the Chang'e-6 mission to the United Nations at a ceremony in Vienna. A gift agreement was signed, and the sample was unveiled for permanent display in the UN headquarters' space exhibition area.

The ceremony took place at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna and was attended by more than 400 guests from multiple countries and international organizations.

The lunar regolith gift agreement was signed between the Chinese government and the United Nations, and Premier Li Qiang announced the gift.

The Chang'e-6 sample was unveiled for permanent display in the space exhibition area at the Vienna UN headquarters.

Chang'e-6 launched on 2024-05-03 from Wenchang Space Launch Site, and its return capsule accurately landed on 2024-06-25.

The mission was the first far-side sampling return effort and returned far-side lunar regolith.

It carried international payloads, with scientific teams from Italy and Pakistan participating.

China has partnerships with more than 50 countries and international organizations, and listed future cooperation includes satellite joint development, data sharing and governance.

The ceremony places the first far-side lunar regolith return in a United Nations setting, linking sample return with multilateral diplomacy.

International payloads and participation by Italian and Pakistani teams show cross-border scientific work on the mission.

The listed future cooperation includes satellite joint development, data sharing and governance, which are relevant to lunar industry planning.

CNSA is presented as promoting outer space governance rules and supporting the 2030 Agenda.