China has donated a lunar soil sample collected by its historic Chang’e-6 mission to the United Nations. The handover ceremony took place in Vienna, Austria, on September 14, 2026.
The sample will remain on permanent display at the UN headquarters in Vienna. It gives visitors a rare opportunity to see material collected from the far side of the Moon.
Historic Chang’e-6 Lunar Mission
The sample comes from China’s Chang’e-6 mission. The mission collected 1,935.3 grams of lunar material from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin.
It marked the first time humanity successfully retrieved samples from the Moon’s far side. The achievement also provided scientists with new material for studying lunar history and geology.
China Highlights International Cooperation
Shan Zhongde, administrator of the China National Space Administration, addressed the ceremony in Vienna. He said exploring the universe represents a shared aspiration for humanity.
Moreover, he described the donation as a demonstration of China’s support for international cooperation and the peaceful use of outer space.
China also expressed its willingness to share space research results with countries around the world. The country said it would continue creating opportunities for international cooperation in space science and technology.
Lunar Sample to Remain on Display
The donated sample will become part of a permanent exhibition at the UN headquarters in Vienna. Thousands of students, diplomats, researchers, and visitors will have the opportunity to view it.
Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, welcomed the donation. She highlighted the rarity of samples collected from the far side of the Moon.
In addition, she said the exhibit can help people understand the history of lunar exploration and the role of international cooperation in space.
UN Officials Welcome China’s Contribution
Monica Juma, director-general of the UN Office at Vienna, highlighted Vienna’s role in connecting science and diplomacy.
She said the lunar sample represents human creativity, technological progress, and humanity’s determination to explore the universe.
Furthermore, officials noted that the exhibition can support wider discussions on responsible space exploration and global cooperation.
China Promotes Peaceful Space Exploration
China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, Li Song, said the event reflects China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
He also described the donation as part of China’s efforts to support the UN’s work on peace and global governance.
A Rare Piece of the Moon for the World
The Chang’e-6 sample moves from a specialized scientific mission into a public international setting. Visitors from around the world will now be able to see material collected from a previously unexplored lunar region.
As a result, the exhibition provides a visible link between lunar science, international cooperation, and the peaceful exploration of outer space.
