China sends probe to get samples from less-explored far side of the Moon

China already landed a rover on the Moon’s far side in 2019 (Nick Ansell/PA)

China has launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the Moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.

It is the latest advance in China’s increasingly sophisticated space exploration programme, which is now competing with the US, still the leader in space.