China postpones Chang'e-7 to 2027: lunar south pole mission not ready
China's space agency said on August 23 that the Chang'e-7 probe "does not meet launch conditions" and the mission will not fly in this year's planned window, CGTN reports. Launch on a Long March 5 had been scheduled for August 24.
Thailand's National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT), whose instrument flies on the probe, cited Typhoon Narra and the lighting conditions needed to land near Shackleton crater at the lunar south pole. The mission has moved to 2027.
Hunting for ice
Chang'e-7 is to search for water ice in permanently shadowed craters, a key resource for future bases. It also carries the Thai cosmic-ray detector CE-7 MATCH, Thailand's first instrument to operate in orbit around another body. "Our team still stands ready for the mission," said Wiphu Rujopakarn of NARIT.
Sources and references
- I.CGTNChang'e-7 launch will not proceed in planned window🔗 https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-23/China-s-Chang-e-7-launch-will-not-proceed-in-planned-window-this-year-1PQD1RsGs5a/p.html
- II.
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