science π China's Chang'e-7 heads to the Moon's South Pole
China is preparing to launch the ambitious Chang'e-7 lunar mission to search for frozen water in dark craters near the moon's south pole. This uncrewed mission will deploy a robotic lander, rover, and a hopping probe from Hainan's Wenchang Space Launch Site. The spacecraft is equipped with water analyzers to scout locations like the Shackleton crater. This exploration supports China's larger goal of a crewed lunar landing by 2030 and a research station with Russia by 2035. The discovery of ancient water could be vital for future lunar bases.