The Chinese Chang’e-7 mission, aimed at exploring the lunar south pole for water ice, has been postponed. Originally scheduled for August 24, the launch was delayed due to unfavorable weather at the Wenchang launch site and constraints in the trajectory window to the polar region. Experts now suggest the next viable launch window may not open until 2027. The mission, which includes an orbiter, lander, rover, and a mini-hopping probe, aims to survey the environment and resources near Shackleton Crater, laying groundwork for future Chinese human lunar landings.
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