China’s spacecraft carrying rocks from the far side of the moon leaves lunar surface on return to Earth

The moon surface shot by a panoramic camera aboard China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft. Photo: AP

Agency reporters

China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth.

The ascender of the Chang’e-6 probe lifted off yesterday morning Beijing time and entered a pre-set orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.