China plans 2026 launch of Chang’e-7 lunar probe for South Pole exploration

China is preparing to launch its Chang’e-7 lunar probe in the second half of 2026, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The agency said on April 10 that the spacecraft has already been transported to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern province of Hainan, where pre-launch tests will be carried out as scheduled. It added that launch facilities are currently in good condition and that all preparatory work is progressing smoothly, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The Chang’e-7 mission is designed to achieve technological breakthroughs in lunar surface exploration, including high-precision soft landing, legged mobility, hopping capabilities, and the exploration of permanently shadowed craters.

The mission will use a multi-method approach combining orbiting, landing, roving, and hopping operations to conduct detailed environmental and resource surveys of the Moon’s south pole region.

The China Manned Space Agency also stated that international cooperation will be part of the mission. It added that China plans to integrate resources from its crewed lunar landing programme and robotic lunar exploration efforts to improve the overall effectiveness of its space exploration strategy.

By Sabina Mammadli