3rd June 2024 (12 Topics)

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China's Chang'e-6 Mission

Context

In a monumental feat for space exploration, China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft has successfully landed on the far side of the Moon, marking the first-ever attempt to collect samples from this uncharted territory.

Key Highlights:

Mission Objective: Chang'e-6's primary mission is to collect and return samples from the Moon's far side, a pioneering endeavor in space exploration.
Landing Site: The chosen landing area within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, specifically the Apollo Basin, was selected based on its potential for scientific exploration and favorable landing conditions, including flat terrain and communication suitability.
Technological Advancements: Chang'e-6's lander is equipped with advanced sensors, including microwave, laser, and optical imaging sensors, enabling precise measurements and obstacle detection on the lunar surface. To ensure a smooth landing, gamma-ray sensors are employed to accurately measure height despite lunar dust interference.
Sampling Process: The probe is set to complete sampling within two days, utilizing both drilling for subsurface samples and a robotic arm for surface sample collection. Despite challenges, including limited communication windows due to the Moon's obstruction, the mission aims for efficient sample retrieval within a reduced timeframe.
International Collaboration: The mission incorporates scientific instruments from France, Italy, the European Space Agency/Sweden, and notably, a payload from Pakistan, marking the first inclusion of a Pakistani orbiter in a Chinese lunar mission.

Fact Box: Far Side of the Moon

The far side of the Moon is the side not visible from Earth, a result of a phenomenon called "tidal locking."
In contrast, the near side, which constitutes 60% of the Moon's surface, is always visible from Earth.
This side isn't actually dark; it receives ample sunlight and experiences lunar day and night cycles, just like the near side.
Differences: Despite being lesser-known, the far side of the Moon is distinct from the near side in appearance and geological features.
Day and Night: A lunar day lasts over 29 Earth days, while a lunar night is roughly two weeks long. This extended cycle is due to the Moon's rotation around its axis and its orbit around Earth, resulting in the same side always facing our planet.
Exploration: Throughout history, human exploration has focused on the near side, with several lunar expeditions visiting its familiar terrain. However, recent missions, like China's Chang'e-6, are pioneering efforts to explore and understand the mysteries of the far side.

Indian Achievement:

Last year, India made its mark by becoming the first country to land near the lunar south pole region with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, showcasing Asia's growing prowess in lunar exploration.

PYQ

Assertion (A): The same face of the moon is always presented to the earth. [2005]

Reason (R): The moon rotates about its own axis in 23 and half days which is about the same time that it takes to orbit the earth.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
A is true but R is false
A is false but R is true

Solution: (c)

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Science & Technology General Science (Issues related to health)

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Science & Technology Space

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

China's Chang'e-6 Mission

Key Highlights:

Fact Box: Far Side of the Moon

PYQ

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