Beijing (Web Desk): China will launch the advanced Chang’e-7 space mission toward the Moon’s south pole on August 24, aiming to gather more information about the evidence, quantity and composition of water and ice present there.
According to Chinese officials, the mission will be launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan aboard a Long March 5 rocket. It will include an orbiter, lander, rover and a special hopper spacecraft.
About five days after launch, the mission will enter lunar orbit, where the orbiter will identify a suitable landing site. The hopper will make multiple flights over the dark craters near the Moon’s south pole to examine these areas and assist with surface analysis.
Scientists have already obtained evidence of water vapor in this region of the Moon through remote sensing. However, direct measurement of water and ice or the collection of samples has not yet been possible.
The Chang’e-7 mission will also play an important role in providing the technological foundation for China’s crewed lunar program planned for 2030. The mission will carry scientific instruments and research payloads from several countries.
China previously brought lunar samples back to Earth through Chang’e-5 in 2020 and Chang’e-6 in 2024.