NASAWatch On CGTN: Breaking Some News About Chinese Moon Samples

Keith’s note: I was on CGTN tonight talking about China’s space activities. [Audio] The discussion touched on newly-announced collaboration between China and Egypt. I mentioned that NASA recently announced that U.S. researchers are now free to submit requests for samples from China’s Chang’e 5 lunar sample return mission. Apparently I broke a little news tonight according to CGTN. NASA’s 29 November 2023 email to researchers announcing this opportunity is below:

NASA-Funded Individuals May Apply for Chang’e 5 Mission Samples

Dear Colleagues,

NASA has certified its intent to Congress to allow NASA-funded researchers to apply to the China National Space Administration for access to lunar samples returned to Earth on the Chang’e 5 mission and made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes.

The Chang’e 5 samples originate from regions of the Moon not yet sampled by NASA and are expected to provide valuable new scientific insight on the geological history of the Moon, which could provide new understanding of the Earth-Moon system and potentially inform NASA’s future lunar exploration plans. Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world.

The 7th round of applications for access to Chang’e-5 lunar samples is open until December 22, 2023, at 11:00 am Eastern Time / 2400 Beijing Time. NASA-funded researchers are allowed to apply for access to lunar samples via this link: https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c10413163/content.html

Please follow the application process identified on this site. Should a NASA-funded researcher’s application be selected, please inform [email protected] for guidance on next steps.

This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on NASA funded projects remains in place.

Any questions may be directed to [email protected]