Russian involvement in China's moon exploration divides space research camps

This handout photo taken on June 3, 2024 and released on June 4, 2024 by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) shows the ascender and lander captured by China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe after it landed on the moon. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a replay screen shows Chang'e-6 probe collecting samples on the moon surface, at Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) in Beijing, June 4, 2024. This undated handout photo taken by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and released on June 4, 2024 shows a general view of craters on the surface of the moon captured by China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe.

China aims to mark a new milestone in space exploration next week when its Chang'e-6 probe is expected to return to Earth from the far side of the moon with rock and soil samples.