China reportedly plans to launch its Chang'e 6 sample-return mission toward the moon's mysterious far side on Friday (May 3).

China will send a robotic spacecraft in coming days on a round trip to the moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.

NASA’s leader is worried about an international race for lunar real estate, as China prepares for a series of missions to the Moon.

China has significantly bridged the gap in space exploration capabilities that once existed between it and spacefaring pioneers like the United States