Chinese spacecraft leaves moon’s surface carrying rocks

The Chang’e-6 probe was launched last month and its lander touched down on the far side of the moon on Sunday.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a replay screen shows Chang’e-6 probe collecting samples on the moon surface (Jin Liwang/Xinhua/AP)

China said a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth.

The ascender of the Chang’e-6 probe lifted off on Tuesday and entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.