The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has announced that China's Chang'e-6 mission team has been honored with the 2025 IAF World Space Award (Team category).

As the IAF's highest honor, traditionally described as the "Oscar in space," the award is presented to individuals and teams whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting global impact on space science, technology, law, medicine or management.

Launched on May 3, 2024, aboard a Long March-5 rocket, the Chang'e-6 probe returned to Earth on June 25, 2024, bringing back 1,935.3 grams of precious lunar samples – humanity's first-ever collection from the moon's far side.

This year's IAF World Space Award will be presented during the opening ceremony of the 76th International Astronautical Congress, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Sydney, Australia.