China Opens Lunar Rock Samples for Global Scientists Amid Restrictions

China's space officials have invited global scientists to study lunar rock samples from the Chang'e 6 mission but noted restrictions, particularly with the U.S. due to the Wolf Amendment. The Chang'e 6 mission achieved historic milestones, including the first successful sample return from the moon's far side.

China's space authorities extended an invitation on Thursday for global scientists to study lunar rock samples retrieved by the Chang'e 6 probe. However, they emphasized specific limitations, particularly regarding cooperation with the United States.

During a televised news conference in Beijing highlighting the mission's achievements, officials stated that any U.S.-China collaboration hinges on removing the American law banning direct bilateral cooperation with NASA. “The source of the obstacle in US-China aerospace cooperation is still in the Wolf Amendment,” remarked Bian Zhigang, vice chair of the China National Space Administration. He urged the U.S. to take appropriate measures to lift this obstacle.

Though the Wolf Amendment restricts direct cooperation with the U.S., China remains open to collaborating with scientists from other nations. The Chang'e 6 mission has already seen cooperation with the European Space Agency, France, Italy, and Pakistan. “China welcomes scientists from all countries to apply according to the processes and share in the benefits,” Liu Yunfeng, director of the international cooperation office, stated.