The return capsule of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe was officially opened during a ceremony held at the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing on June 26, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone as researchers examined the key technical indicators of the returner, indicating that the mission's samples from the far side of the moon are set to play a crucial role in advancing lunar research.

By the end of 2024, the first collection of lunar samples gathered by the Chang'e-6 mission is expected to be allocated to domestic scientists in China. An open application system will be used for distribution to international researchers thereafter. This initiative aims to enhance the global understanding of the moon, and scientists worldwide are eager to study these samples, which are anticipated to provide new insights into lunar geology. According to Li Chunlai, the mission's deputy chief designer, the team has already unsealed, partitioned, processed, and conducted preliminary analyses of the samples.

Initial findings have revealed that the lunar samples retrieved by Chang'e-6 contain more spalls than those from the previous Chang'e-5 mission. This observation may be attributed to the sampling location's proximity to an impact crater, as explained by Liu Jianjun, deputy chief commander of the ground application system for the mission. Additionally, these samples exhibit a wider variety of minerals and finer texture compared to those collected by Chang'e-5.

While China collaborated with various international partners for the Chang'e-6 mission, NASA was not included in these efforts. NASA spokesperson Faith McKie indicated that the agency was not invited to participate in the mission or to study the lunar samples. In contrast, Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, highlighted that the restrictions persist mainly due to the Wolf Amendment, which prohibits US government-funded institutions from collaborating with China on space-related research. Therefore, American institutions seeking access to the Chang'e-6 samples must navigate complex legislative barriers to obtain the necessary permissions from Congress.

In addressing the criticisms from NASA, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning pointed out that China's application process is open to global research entities. However, the US's own regulations impede the participation of American scientists in this international collaborative effort. Due to the high value of the lunar samples, stringent security measures have been established for their storage, including a vault-like facility equipped with a purified air system and regulated temperature and humidity conditions, as highlighted by Zhou Qin, a deputy chief designer for the ground application system of the mission.