Chinese lunar probe collects first rock samples after landing on moon

The spacecraft’s shadow is reflected on the surface of the moon during its landing process (Chinese National Space Administration/AP)

A Chinese spacecraft sent to return lunar rocks to Earth collected its first samples after landing on the moon, the government announced, adding to a string of successes for Beijing’s increasingly ambitious space programme.

The Chang’e 5 probe touched down shortly after 1500 GMT on Tuesday after descending from an orbiter, the China National Space Administration said.