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CNSA2020Moon sample returnLong March 5China

AgencyCNSA

Year2020

TypeMoon sample return

RocketLong March 5

CountryChina

About the Mission

Returned the first new lunar samples in 44 years in December 2020. Brought back 1,731 grams of young volcanic rock from Oceanus Procellarum. The first sample return by any nation since Luna 24 in 1976. The rocks showed volcanism persisted on the Moon far longer than expected. A milestone toward Chinese crewed lunar plans.

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