A mission control screen simulation of the Chang'e-6 orbiter (left) and ascent vehicle docked in lunar orbit, June 6, 2024. Credit: Screenshot/CNSA

HELSINKI — An ascent vehicle docked with the Chang’e-6 service module Thursday, in a critical step towards bringing the first lunar far side samples to Earth.

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Andrew Jones writes about China's space industry, including civilian programs, space science and exploration, policy, and commercial developments for SpaceNews, and writes the China Report newsletter. He has additional bylines in Scientific American,...