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

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 program, which is now competing with the U.S., still the leader in space. China already landed a rover on the moon’s far side in 2019, the first country to do so. The rocket carrying the Chang’e-6 lunar probe lifted off Friday from the Wenchang launch center on the island province of Hainan. After orbiting the moon to reduce speed, the lander will separate from the returner.