China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe returns world’s first samples from far side of the moon

Re-entry capsule containing precious cargo from mission has parachuted into Inner Mongolia

China has become the first country to gather samples from the far side of the moon and bring them back to Earth in a landmark achievement for the Beijing space programme.

A re-entry capsule containing the precious cargo parachuted into a landing zone in the rural Siziwang Banner region of Inner Mongolia on Tuesday after being released into Earth's orbit by the uncrewed Chang'e-6 probe.