China Postpones Chang'e-7 Moon Launch
China postponed the launch of its Chang'e-7 Moon mission. The mission aims to search for water ice near the Moon's south pole.
It was due to launch in the coming days from Wenchang, China. It will launch on a Long March 5 rocket.
The mission includes an orbiter, lander, rover and hopper. A government agency said Saturday the mission did not meet launch conditions.
China's space agency said Sunday poor weather caused the delay. Reports linked the delay to Tropical Storm Narra.
The launch had been expected as early as Monday. Officials said Chang'e-7 could not launch during its 2026 window.
The south pole target creates a narrow launch window. China's Chang'e-6 mission returned samples from the Moon's far side in 2024.
Klear Note — Chang’e-6 returned samples from the Moon’s far side in 2024.
Key Terms 5
- Chang'e-7 China's mission to search for water ice on the Moon.
- Wenchang A Chinese city with a major space launch site.
- Long March 5 A powerful Chinese rocket used for space missions.
- Tropical Storm Narra A storm reportedly linked to the launch delay.
- Chang'e-6 China's earlier mission that brought back Moon samples in 2024.