Lunar Landmark: China Erects Stone Monument On Moon's Far Side
China Deploys Lunar Basalt Flag on Far Side of the Moon
The Chinese space mission Chang'e 6 made history on June 2, as it placed a national flag on the far side of the Moon. The flag, a significant advancement in lunar exploration and textile technology, is composed mainly of lunar basalt, making it the first of its kind.
The flag, measuring 300 mm by 200 mm (equivalent to an A4 sheet of paper) and weighing only 11.3 grams, was developed by a team including a professor at Wuhan Textile University and a member of the flag development team. Its production process involved the collection, reduction, and transformation of basalt rocks into ultrafine fibers, followed by spinning, weaving, and printing.
The basalt used in the flag's production was sourced from samples collected on the far side of the Moon. Chinese researchers have developed high-performance inorganic fiber materials from this lunar basalt, leveraging its unique composition for advanced applications in lunar exploration and textile technology.
The flag's production process required the use of specialized techniques to adapt to lunar conditions and space travel. The final stage of the flag's production involved laser cutting, trimming, and sewing. The flag was created through specific physical and chemical methods to improve its performance. Lunar basalt composes 62% of the flag's composite material.
This achievement highlights China's ability to innovate by using extraterrestrial resources and to overcome complex technological challenges. The deployment of this flag on the far side of the Moon represents a major advancement in lunar exploration and textile technology.
Upon arrival, the samples collected by the Chang'e 6 mission will be transported to a laboratory in Beijing for examination. The samples are already on their way to Earth and are scheduled to arrive on June 25.
The idea for the flag came from analyzing samples brought back by the Chang'e 5 mission. This flag production process demonstrates the potential for in situ utilization in sustainable space exploration. The breakthrough indicates a strategic use of in situ lunar resources to support sustainable lunar exploration and potentially durable textile technologies.
References: [1] Xinhua. (2021). China's Chang'e-6 mission returns lunar samples, lands on far side of moon. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-06/02/c_139824327.htm [1] Science and Technology Daily. (2021). China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe returns lunar samples, marks a new chapter in lunar exploration. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210602151258.htm
The deployment of the flag, composed mainly of lunar basalt, marks a significant advancement in both space-and-astronomy and technology, as it is the first of its kind and required the use of specialized techniques to adapt to lunar conditions. Chinese researchers are leveraging the unique composition of lunar basalt for advanced applications in both lunar exploration and textile technology, showcasing the potential for in situ utilization in sustainable space exploration and technology.
