Core Insights - The China National Space Administration announced the results of international applications for lunar sample borrowing from the Chang'e 5 mission, with 7 institutions from 6 countries approved to borrow samples [1] - The samples were received by Professor Mahesh Anand from the UK, who emphasized their immense value, stating they are "more precious than gold" [1][3] - The samples are currently stored in a high-security safe at the Open University in Milton Keynes, UK, and were personally transported by Anand to ensure their safety [1][3] Group 1 - The research team has implemented strict contamination prevention measures in the laboratory, requiring all personnel to undergo rigorous decontamination processes before entering the core testing area [3] - The lunar soil samples consist of three containers, each containing a small vial of lunar regolith, with a total sample weight not exceeding 60 milligrams [3][4] - Anand's team aims to conduct micro-level research to uncover significant scientific insights, believing that the small samples hold immense scientific value [3][6] Group 2 - The research will utilize a custom-built machine capable of heating lunar soil to 1400°C to extract carbon, nitrogen, and inert gas components, which is a key reason for the selection of Anand's laboratory [4][6] - The team has one year to complete their research, focusing on questions regarding the formation of the Moon and the early history of Earth [6] - The Chang'e 5 mission marked China as the third country to collect samples from the Moon, following the US and the former Soviet Union, and the Chang'e 6 mission made China the first to return samples from the far side of the Moon [6][7] Group 3 - The China National Space Administration emphasizes principles of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use, and win-win cooperation in sharing lunar research samples with the international community [6][7] - Anand expressed hope that this collaboration will lead to long-term partnerships between China and the international scientific community, continuing the tradition of international cooperation established by the Apollo missions [7]