China postpones Chang’e 7 lunar mission launch until at least 2027
China will not launch the Chang’e 7 lunar mission during the launch window planned for 2026. China’s manned space program said that, following a comprehensive assessment, the mission does not meet the conditions for launch.
As Ars Technica reports, the Chinese side explained the decision by its desire to act cautiously and reliably and ensure absolute success. No official reason was given for postponing the launch from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island.
Mission to the Moon’s south pole
Chang’e 7 was to launch aboard a Long March 5 rocket and head for the Moon’s south pole. The mission includes an orbiter, a lander, a lunar rover and a small hopping probe. The spacecraft is planned to land near Shackleton crater.
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According to Ars Technica’s assessment, one possible reason for the postponement may have been Typhoon Narra, which was located in the strait between Hainan and mainland China. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, it could have remained in the area for another two to three days and created unfavorable conditions at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. The publication also considers a less likely possibility that a technical problem was identified in the complex Chang’e 7 payload or the rocket.
Possible launch in 2027
China has not officially announced a new launch date. According to Ars Technica, social media users discussed the possibility of the next suitable launch window in February or March 2027. The timing may be affected by lighting conditions in the polar landing area and the mission plan, which calls for 90 days of reconnaissance in lunar orbit before landing.
The Moon’s south pole is important for future exploration because of permanently shadowed areas where water ice and other useful materials are believed to have accumulated over billions of years. According to the publication, no country has yet carried out a soft landing of a spacecraft in the Moon’s polar regions.
