Representatives from Jilin University (JLU) recently visited the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to retrieve a lunar research sample.

They also visited the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center at the China National Space Administration to obtain an official agreement and sample certificate. This marked a significant milestone as the first lunar sample acquired by both JLU and the northeastern region of China.

In May 2023, LESEC held its sixth review meeting for the loan of lunar samples, approving requests from 16 research institutions, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and JLU. Under the supervision of Professor ZOU Meng, the JLU terramechanics and bionic locomotion research team was granted 6.1 mg of lunar regolith.

Professor ZOU stated that the team will use the lunar sample to study the micro-mechanical properties of lunar soil, which will provide a foundation for further development of simulated lunar soil and in situ resource utilization.

This research team has also participated in Mars exploration since 2013, making substantial contributions to the Tianwen-1 Mars exploration missions. It has actively engaged in national deep space projects, including Chang'e-7, Tianwen-2, and crewed lunar exploration.

As a university involved in designing lunar rovers for China's Chang'e project, JLU has undertaken significant research tasks since 2005, contributing crucial technical support for the project.