China starts the scientific research on samples collected by its Chang'e-5 probe after the first batch of 17.4764 grams of lunar soil is handed over by the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of China National Space Administration to scientists from 13 domestic institutions for 31 scientific projects, July 12, 2021. /CFP

According to China Space News, the lunar soil is collected from the moon's surface by Chang'e-5 probe, using a combination of a scoop and drilling equipment. /CFP

The studies will investigate areas on the habitability of the Earth's celestial neighbor that have not been touched by previous Soviet Union and U.S. research. /CFP

After evaluation, 31 applications from 13 research institutions among the 85 applications from 23 organizations have been granted approval to study the first batch of lunar samples, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China University of Geosciences and Sun Yat-Sen University. According to China's Lunar Exploration Program under the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the next round of applications for evaluation is scheduled for September. /CFP