It has been four decades since lunar samples were brought to Earth, and the Chang'e-5 spacecraft's bounty could have great scientific value
The mission aims to bring back materials from the moon for the first time in decades
The entire flight - barely skimming space with a peak altitude of 66 miles (106 kilometers) - lasted just 10 minutes
The simulant can be used to control the mobility of the rover for scientific exploration and for the study of geo-technical or mechanical properties of lunar soil
Here's a brief timeline of the landmark moments of lunar exploration in modern times
Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon
India's second lunar foray is a 100% indigenous mission consisting of an orbiter, lander and rover
TeamIndus, which received a $1 mn funds from XPRIZE last year, is among top three contenders