The Earth and distant moon imaged by the Chang'e-5 T1 service module. A rocket upper stage that launched the mission is thought to be the object due to impact the moon in March 2022.
The Earth and distant moon imaged by the Chang'e-5 T1 service module. A rocket upper stage that launched the mission is thought to be the object due to impact the moon in March 2022. Credit: CNSA/CLEP

HELSINKI — A rocket stage expected to impact the moon is still most likely to belong to China’s 2014 moon mission, despite a denial from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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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,...