China's Chang'e 6 Mission Carries Undisclosed Mini-Rover to Moon's Far Side

The rover, equipped with an infrared spectrometer, aims to enhance the mission's scientific exploration while the main objective remains lunar sample collection.

Chang'e 6, launched on May 3, has successfully entered lunar orbit, with plans to land on the far side of the Moon to collect and return samples.
The discovery of a small rover attached to the lander was not previously disclosed, sparking intrigue about its specific scientific roles.
Equipped with an infrared spectrometer, the rover may analyze lunar soil composition and search for water, although its operational lifespan could be brief.
The mission targets the Apollo crater within the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a site believed to hold crucial geological insights from the lunar mantle.
If successful, this mission will mark the first time samples from the Moon's far side are returned to Earth, contributing significantly to lunar science.