The UK has welcomed its first moon rocks in over 50 years, marking a significant moment in space exploration. These samples, collected by China’s Chang’e 5 mission in 2020, are now in the hands of scientists in Milton Keynes.
Professor Mahesh Anand from The Open University is among seven international scientists chosen to study these precious samples. He expressed his excitement, saying, "It really humbles me to think that I am one of the seven billion plus people on this planet who has a chance to work with these precious samples."
The moon rocks, which arrived on May 9, 2025, are the first to be brought back since the Soviet Luna mission in 1976. Professor Anand traveled to Beijing to collect the samples, ensuring he kept them close during his journey back to the UK. He carried them in his hand luggage, stating, "I couldn’t risk losing them." He highlighted the importance of the samples, noting they are stored in triple-sealed containers to protect them from Earth’s atmosphere.
These samples are especially important because they come from a different area of the moon compared to previous missions. Professor Anand explained that they reveal new information about the moon’s geological history. He hopes this research will shed light on the origins of the moon and the elements necessary for life on Earth, such as hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen.
The professor has dedicated his career to studying moon samples from the Apollo missions, which were collected from six landing sites. He is eager to see how the new samples differ chemically. This research is crucial for future plans to establish human presence on the moon.
As he continues his work, Professor Anand feels a strong sense of responsibility. "I want to do my best to get the best out of these samples for the scientific community and for the wider world," he said. The arrival of these moon rocks not only excites scientists but also represents a new chapter in lunar exploration.