2024 Chang'e-6 lunar mission samples reveal distinct differences in density, structure, and trace element concentrations compared to previous missions.

Chinese scientists have published their first study on lunar samples from the Chang'e-6 mission, launched on May 3, 2024. They found the samples have a lower density and a more porous structure than previous ones, with higher plagioclase and lower olivine content compared to Chang'e-5 samples. Geochemical analysis revealed significant differences in trace element concentrations, such as thorium and uranium, compared to Apollo and Chang'e-5 samples. The mission returned 1,935.3 grams of samples.