China's National Space Administration has handed over the lunar samples brought back to Earth on the Chang'e-5 mission to scientists and researchers for further study. CGTN's Zheng Yibing has this report.

The moon rock and soil samples from China's lunar mission have been sent to the National Astronomical Observatories of China in Beijing, a branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

HOU Jianguo, President, Chinese Academy of Sciences: "This is the first time in 44 years humans have brought lunar samples to Earth. These are the first lunar samples brought to China, making it the third country in the world to have collected such samples from the Moon."

The observatories will be responsible for keeping and analyzing the lunar samples. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences will study the lunar soil through various facilities in a special lab.

The researchers will be looking at samples brought back from the edge of the Oceanus Procellarum, located on the western side of the near side of the Moon, a previously unexplored location.

CHANG JIN Natl. Astronomical Observatories of China: "The sampling site has never been visited before. The sampling was conducted not only on the lunar surface but also deep underneath, through drilling. The drilling itself was also a first, increasing this mission's importance."

42 years ago, China received a one-gram lunar rock sample from the United States, which facilitated a desire for the country to conduct its own lunar mission.

Now, China's latest trip has brought back 1700 grams of samples, which will help researchers gain a deeper understanding of our closest celestial body.

"China will collect cooperation proposals from scientists in other countries, in order for Chinese and foreign researchers to participate together, to decode the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e-5. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing." (CGTN)