Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Credit: Yuqi Qian, et al.

NASA has certified its intent to Congress to allow NASA-funded researchers to apply to the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for access to lunar samples returned to Earth on that country’s Chang’e-5 Moon mission and made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes.

Chang’e-5 transported its lunar sample collectibles to the Earth on December 16, 2020.

“The Chang’e-5 samples originate from regions of the Moon not yet sampled by NASA and are expected to provide valuable new scientific insight on the geological history of the Moon, which could provide new understanding of the Earth-Moon system and potentially inform NASA’s future lunar exploration plans,” states a “Dear Colleagues” communiqué from NASA.

Chang’e-5 return capsule holding lunar specimens.
Credit: National Astronomical Observatories, CAS

“Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” the communiqué adds.

Applications due in late December

This 7th round of applications for access to Chang’e-5 lunar samples as orchestrated by China is open until December 22, 2023, at 11:00 am Eastern Time / 2400 Beijing Time.

NASA-funded researcher have been asked to follow the CNSA application process identified on this site: https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c10413163/content.html

If a NASA-funded researcher’s application is selected, NASA should be informed for guidance on next steps.

“This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e-5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC [People’s Republic of China] on NASA funded projects remains in place,” the NASA statement concludes.