China is preparing to launch Chang’e-7, its most technologically advanced lunar mission to date, with the goal of searching for frozen water deposits near the Moon’s south pole. The mission is viewed as a significant step in Beijing’s plans to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface in the coming decade.
The uncrewed mission will deploy a lander, rover and a new hopping probe designed to explore regions of the Moon that are difficult to reach using conventional vehicles.
Mission objectives
Named after the Chinese moon goddess Chang’e, the mission will focus on identifying water ice within permanently shadowed craters near the lunar south pole.
The spacecraft is scheduled to launch next week from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre in Hainan aboard a Long March 5 rocket. The payload will include scientific instruments such as water analysers, cameras and radar systems.
Once in lunar orbit, the spacecraft will survey potential landing sites before attempting a landing near the south pole.
Targeting the lunar south pole
One possible landing location is near the rim of Shackleton Crater, a permanently shadowed depression close to the lunar south pole.
While the crater's interior receives no sunlight, its elevated rim remains exposed to near-continuous solar illumination. Space observers estimate a landing attempt could take place around November, although China has not released an official mission timeline.
Scientists believe permanently shadowed craters may contain ancient deposits of water ice and other volatile compounds preserved over billions of years.
Search for water resources
According to NASA data cited in the report, temperatures within some of these shadowed regions can fall to minus 203 degrees Celsius.
Finding accessible water is considered crucial for future lunar exploration. Water could provide drinking supplies, oxygen for astronauts and materials that could be converted into rocket propellant, reducing reliance on resupply missions from Earth.
The near-constant sunlight available on high ridges and crater rims near the south pole could also provide a stable source of solar energy for future lunar installations.
New hopping probe technology
A key element of the mission is the deployment of a hopping probe, designed to overcome the limitations faced by wheeled rovers on steep crater walls.
The probe will be equipped with a water molecule analyser and will use small thrusters to enter shadowed craters. It will land on six articulated legs before returning to recharge and continue operations.
Technical details regarding the probe's weight, range and engine performance have not been disclosed.
China's state news agency Xinhua reported that the vehicle is expected to complete at least three jumps during the mission.
Competition at the Moon's south pole
The lunar south pole has become a focal point for international space agencies seeking potential water resources.
The United States, India and Russia have all identified the region as a priority for future missions. India's Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed near the south pole in 2023.
Future missions expected to target the area include NASA's VIPER rover, the European Space Agency's PROSPECT drilling package, and the joint Japan-India LUPEX rover.
Role in China's lunar ambitions
Data gathered by Chang’e-7 and its planned successor Chang’e-8, expected around 2029, are intended to support China's goal of conducting a crewed lunar landing before 2030.
The missions are also expected to contribute to plans for a permanent research station on the Moon, including a joint lunar research project with Russia targeted for completion by 2035.
China's lunar programme is developing alongside NASA's Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable long-term presence there.
Source: CNA
