China Collects Historic Samples from the Far Side of the Moon: Chang’e 6 Mission Successfully Completed
With its Chang’e 6 mission launched in April 2025, China became the first country to successfully collect samples from the far side of the Moon. The mission landed in the South Pole–Aitken Basin, a region of the Moon invisible from Earth, and retrieved approximately 2 kilograms of rock and regolith samples. This area is known as one of the oldest and deepest basins on the Moon and is believed to contain clues about the early periods of the Solar System. The successful collection of these samples and the beginning of the return journey to Earth marks not only a significant technological achievement but also the acquisition of unique scientific data. While China is not the first country to bring back samples from the Moon, this mission makes it the first to do so from the far side, opening a new chapter in the history of international space research.
The analysis of these samples is expected to yield clearer insights into the Moon’s internal structure, geological evolution, and surface processes. Long-standing questions, such as why the far side differs structurally from the near side, may finally find answers. Moreover, the information gathered could provide a strategic foundation for future plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) views this success as part of its long-term goals and aims to conduct manned lunar missions and establish scientific research stations on the Moon by 2030. The Chang’e 6 mission is regarded as a milestone not only for China but also for humanity’s understanding of the Moon.
Major Budget Cuts Proposed for NASA: Scientific Research at Risk
Under the proposed U.S. federal budget for the 2026 fiscal year, NASA is facing a significant 24% budget cut. The proposal aims to reduce the agency’s budget from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. Interestingly, while funding for human space exploration is set to increase by 10%, this comes at the cost of cancelling many important scientific projects. Programs such as the Mars Sample Return mission, Space Launch System (SLS), Orion capsule, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope are either facing suspension or complete cancellation. These projects had the potential to contribute to advancements not only in the U.S. but globally. Especially the Mars sample return mission—which aimed to bring material from another planet to Earth for the first time—promised groundbreaking data in the field of astrobiology.
The cuts affect not only technological projects but also environmental monitoring and social science-based programs. NASA’s Earth observation efforts related to climate change are under serious threat, and initiatives based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are also planned to be excluded from the budget. The scientific community warns that this situation could not only hinder scientific progress but also dampen the interest of younger generations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. Additionally, the increased promotion of partnerships with the private sector has raised concerns that public-interest projects may be overshadowed. Experts emphasize that these cuts could harm the U.S.’s global leadership in space and damage its international scientific reputation. Many believe that while these budget constraints might seem like short-term savings, the long-term cost in scientific setbacks could be far greater.
Blue Origin’s All-Female Crewed Spaceflight
On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin marked a new milestone in human spaceflight. A suborbital flight conducted with the New Shepard rocket featured an all-female crew. Among the participants were NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, pop star Katy Perry, and journalist Gayle King. This flight was not just a technical success but also carried symbolic weight: highlighting the increasing presence of women in space exploration. Lasting approximately 10 minutes, the mission garnered widespread public attention by emphasizing female representation. For the first time in space history, a crew composed entirely of women ventured beyond Earth’s surface on a commercial rocket, making it a notable example of gender representation in space.
However, this symbolic achievement also drew criticism. Some in the scientific community and environmentalists argued that such flashy missions prioritize media attention and brand value over scientific contribution. Additionally, the environmental impact of short suborbital flights was highlighted, with claims that resources would be better spent on more meaningful long-term scientific projects. Critics expressed concern that presenting such missions as “space research” to the public could blur the lines between science and commerce. Nonetheless, some experts contended that the flight wasn’t entirely without value, suggesting it could serve as inspiration for young girls and women. These debates have sparked a broader public discussion about the boundaries, ethical responsibilities, and scientific priorities of space tourism.
This Week in Our Arts Corner: Coherence (2013)
This week in our arts corner, we feature a lesser-known film that lingers in the viewer’s mind: Coherence. Despite being a low-budget movie set in a single location, the film stands out with its scientific foundation and suspenseful atmosphere. It tells the story of a group of friends who experience strange events during a dinner party. As a comet passes close to Earth, parallel universes begin to intersect, and the characters’ perception of reality starts to unravel.
Tackling topics such as quantum physics, the multiverse, causality, and probability, Coherence proves that science fiction doesn’t need heavy visual effects to be profound. With each scene posing the question, “What if this is a different universe?” the film transforms the viewer from a passive spectator into a kind of detective. If you enjoy movies that make you think about the ending and are intrigued by the intersection of science and suspense, Coherence is one to add to your watchlist this week.
