Lunar soil sample from Chang'e-5 showcased in Bangkok

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 30 July 2024 10:54

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Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 30, 2024

A rare lunar soil sample from China's Chang'e-5 mission drew large crowds in Bangkok. In collaboration with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the lunar sample was a key feature at the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair, which concluded on Sunday. Displayed in a rotating crystal sphere, the 75-milligram

Lunar soil sample from Chang'e-5 showcased in Bangkok
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 30, 2024

A rare lunar soil sample from China's Chang'e-5 mission drew large crowds in Bangkok.

In collaboration with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the lunar sample was a key feature at the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair, which concluded on Sunday.

Displayed in a rotating crystal sphere, the 75-milligram sample, named "The Moon Shines Bright On Me," offered visitors a microscopic look at the moon's surface, allowing them to marvel at this extraterrestrial material up close.

Experiencing the sample for the first time, elementary school student Tannya Neesanant expressed her excitement. "The lunar sample's unusual color intrigued my curiosity, as it appeared to be sand rather than soil," the seven-year-old told Xinhua.

This exhibit is part of the samples collected by the Chang'e-5 lunar probe, one of the most complex and challenging missions in China's aerospace history.

Being able to get "closer than ever" to the moon inspired many visitors, especially children, to pursue their interests and goals, said Suppawat Zhou, a staff member at the exhibition.

"It was truly rewarding to see visually impaired and deaf students learning about the exhibits through the interpretation from their teachers, which sparked their keen interest in astronomy, space and technology," he added.

NARIT head Saran Poshyachinda noted that the exhibition also highlighted advanced technologies developed by Thailand for astronomical research, including an instrument to observe cosmic radiation and space weather from a lunar perspective, which will be part of China's Chang'e-7 mission.

In April, China and Thailand signed two memorandums of understanding to cooperate on the exploration and peaceful use of outer space, as well as on an international lunar research station.

"We are looking forward to receiving lunar samples from the CNSA for our laboratory test, so we can develop suitable instruments for future exploration on the moon's surface," Saran said in an interview with Xinhua.

"Collaboration with China is very crucial for developing our own capabilities and helping us to be in line with global leaders," he said.