Chang’e-6 Mission Wins Top Honour at International Astronautical Congress
The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world’s leading aerospace gathering, opened on Monday in Sydney, Australia. At the event, China’s Chang’e-6 mission received the prestigious 2025 International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award in the Team Category, marking a major recognition of its achievements.
A Prestigious Global Recognition
The IAF World Space Award is the highest honour awarded by the International Astronautical Federation. Often called the “Oscar in Space,” it celebrates individuals and teams that make exceptional contributions to global space science, engineering, technology, and management. At the opening ceremony, Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang’e-6 mission, and Guan Feng, director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration, accepted the award on behalf of their team.
The Mission’s Groundbreaking Achievement
The Chang’e-6 mission was launched on 3 May 2024 aboard a Long March-5 rocket. On 25 June 2024, the probe returned to Earth with 1,935.3 grams of lunar material. This was the first time in human history that samples were collected from the moon’s far side, a scientific milestone that expanded humanity’s understanding of lunar geology.
IAC 2025 Focuses on Sustainability
Organised annually since 1950, the International Astronautical Congress serves as a forum for international cooperation and innovation in space. This year’s congress, which runs until 3 October, carries the theme “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,” highlighting the growing importance of balancing exploration with long-term planetary protection.
