Moon Mission: Chinese scientists claim discovery of new moon mineral. All you need to know

A new lunar material in the form of a crystal has been discovered by Chinese scientists in samples taken from the moon in 2020, as per claims by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

During the Chinese Change-5 mission in 2020, samples of lunar material were obtained and tested to find the mineral called Change Site (Y). A team of researchers at Beijing's Uranium Geology Research Institute used X-ray diffraction and other high-tech methods to single out a sole crystalline particle from lunar dust and rock, according to CNNC official.

In addition to providing primary scientific data, the study also provides insight into the future exploration and evaluation of lunar samples of helium-3. The particles are tiny and said to be smaller than a hair fragment, and it is the sixth new mineral discovered on the Moon.


According to the China Atomic Energy Authority vice president, the discovery will help estimate and develop lunar resources and enhance humanity's knowledge of the moon and solar system. The third place is now in the bags of China after the US and Russia discovered a new lunar mineral.




The new lunar mineral was announced ahead of the Chinese Lunar Festival. Last year, Chinese senior lunar programme designer and engineer Ye told Chinese state television that the country would have a human-crewed mission to the Moon by 2030.

According to him, as long as technological research on human-crewed moon landings continues and the country is determined, a Chinese human-crewed moon landing by 2030 is possible. According to state media reports, in December 2020, China successfully deployed the first national flag on the moon during the Change 5 moon mission.

FAQ

1. Which other countries have identified new minerals on the Moon?
Answer:-Russia and the United States of America

2. When is the next Chinese crewed moon mission?
Answer: The next Chinese human-crewed moon mission is expected to be in 2030.