China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe has lifted off from the moon after collecting samples from the moon's far side and deploying a Chinese flag, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency citing the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA).
This achievement marks a new milestone for China's space program, which aims to send humans to the moon by 2030.
CNSA describes the event as "a feat unmatched in human history in terms of moon exploration" and adds that the probe has entered a "previously planned lunar orbit."
The mission, which began in early May, is expected to take 53 days. After that, the collected samples – which are expected to provide new clues about the moon's origin – will be analyzed.
The US – which plans to send astronauts to the moon again – has warned that China's space program is being used to hide military goals and is an attempt to establish dominance outside of Earth.
