Selection Release of the 2nd Batch of International Loan on Chang’E-5 Mission Lunar Samples for Science and Research
04/24/2026

In September 2025, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) opened the second batch of international loan for Chang’E-5 lunar samples for sceince and research to the global community. Following review by the Lunar Sample Expert Committee, the loan applications from three international institutions have been approve:

 

Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP): One Powder sample, conducts analysis of uranium, radon, and infrared spectroscopy of the sample.

 

The University of Manchester: Four rock clast sample, analyzing the timing of impact events and source of impact bodies in recent lunar history.

 

TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute: One powder sample and four rock clast sample, carrying out spectroscopic and mineralogical analyses of lunar samples.