Chang’e 7 spacecraft and Long March-5 rocket moved to launch pad for lunar south pole expedition.
Image: China in Space
China is preparing to launch a major robotic mission to the Moon’s south pole in a bid to search for water ice and gather more information about the region.
The Chang’e 7 spacecraft and its Long March-5 Y14 rocket have been moved to the launch pad, marking a key step ahead of the planned lunar expedition.
The mission will focus on the Moon’s south pole, an area of growing interest because scientists believe permanently shadowed craters could contain deposits of water ice. Such resources could potentially support future lunar exploration.
Chang’e 7 is expected to carry a suite of spacecraft and instruments designed to study the lunar surface and environment. The mission forms part of China’s broader programme to expand its capabilities in deep-space exploration and prepare for more ambitious lunar missions.
