China launches Chang’e-6 probe to study dark side of the moon

Chang'e-6 is expected to carry lunar samples back to Earth, landing in north China's Inner Mongolia in about 53 days, according to the China National Space Administration [Hector Retamal/AFP]

China’s largest rocket has blasted off to space carrying the Chang’e-6 lunar probe for a nearly two-month mission to retrieve rocks and soil from the far side of the moon, in a world-first attempt.

The Long March-5 rocket lifted off at 5:27pm (09:27 GMT) on Friday from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on the southern island province of Hainan with the more than eight-tonne probe.