In a statement last week, NASA confirmed those discussions, and said that “for a number of reasons” the LRO wasn’t able to be at the optimal location for the landing. But it added that the orbiter has been collecting data since Chang’e-4’s arrived on the far side, and will take photos of the landing site on Jan. 31. The agencies have agreed to share data on significant findings, if any, at a meeting of a subcommittee of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to be held next month. “NASA’s cooperation with China is transparent, reciprocal and mutually beneficial,” the US space agency said.

NASA’s administrator, James Bridenstine, in an earlier interview with Quartz (paywall), had also said that the agency can share data with China. “When they do a science mission to the Moon, we’re hopeful they will be able to share with us the data they receive, and when we do a mission to the moon, we can share data with them,” Bridenstine told Quartz. “Understanding and characterizing the Moon and doing that kind of science is in the interest of all humanity. It’s not something any one country should try to retain for itself.”

Update, Jan. 21: The story was updated with details from NASA’s statement last week on its orbiter’s observation of Chang’e-4. Learn more about NASA’s restrictions on working with China.

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