BEIJING — China's Chang'e-5 probe has collected moon samples, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Dec 2.

The lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-5 has finished the tasks of moon sample drilling and packaging at 4:53 am on Dec 2.

It is gathering samples from the surface as planned.

After successfully landing on the near side of the moon late on Dec 1, the Chang'e-5 probe carried out preparation work including unfolding solar wings.

The probe adopts two methods of moon sampling, including using drills to collect samples and gathering samples from the surface with a mechanical arm.