China is preparing to launch Chang’e-7, its most technologically complex lunar mission so far, in a search for water ice hidden inside permanently shadowed craters near the Moon’s south pole.

The uncrewed mission will carry a robotic lander, rover and innovative hopping probe. Together, they will explore some of the coldest and least accessible areas on the lunar surface.

The mission forms part of China’s broader plan to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. Beijing aims to send astronauts to the lunar surface before 2030 and develop a joint research station with Russia by 2035.

Chang’e-7 Heads for the Lunar South Pole

Chang’e-7 is scheduled to launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China’s Hainan province aboard a Long March 5 rocket.

The spacecraft will carry several scientific instruments. These include cameras, radars and equipment designed to analyse water and other materials.

After entering lunar orbit, Chang’e-7 will study possible landing locations near the south pole. It will then attempt to land at a selected site.

One potential destination lies near the rim of Shackleton crater. The crater remains permanently shadowed, while parts of its jagged rim receive almost continuous sunlight.

China has not announced an exact landing date. Space observers expect a landing attempt around November.

Why Scientists Want Water Ice

The Moon’s south pole has become a major target for space agencies because some craters have remained in darkness for billions of years.

Scientists believe these areas may preserve water ice and other volatile materials. Temperatures in some permanently shadowed regions can fall to around minus 203 degrees Celsius.

Accessible water could become a valuable resource for future lunar missions. Astronauts could use it for drinking water and oxygen production.

Water could also provide hydrogen and oxygen for rocket propellant. This could reduce the need to transport supplies from Earth.

The surrounding highlands offer another advantage. Some crater rims receive almost constant sunlight, providing a potential source of solar power for future lunar bases.

China Designs a Hopping Lunar Robot

Chang’e-7 will face a major challenge on the Moon’s rugged terrain.

Traditional wheeled rovers could struggle to navigate steep crater walls. China has therefore developed a hopping probe designed to enter permanently shadowed areas.

The robot will use small thrusters to fly into dark craters. It will land on six articulated legs and collect scientific data.

The probe will then hop back toward sunlit areas. This will allow it to recharge before continuing its exploration.

The hopper will carry an instrument capable of analysing water molecules. Chinese state media has reported that the vehicle could make at least three hops during the mission.

China has not released detailed information about the probe’s weight, engine performance or maximum flight range.

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Global Race for Lunar Water

China is not alone in targeting the Moon’s south pole.

The United States, India and Russia have also identified the region as an important destination for future exploration.

India achieved a major milestone in 2023 when Chandrayaan-3 landed near the lunar south pole.

Other missions are also planned. NASA’s VIPER rover, the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT drilling package and the Japan-India LUPEX rover are expected to investigate the region in the coming years.

The growing number of missions reflects the increasing importance of lunar water resources.

Chang’e-8 Could Follow in 2029

Chang’e-7 is expected to provide important data for China’s next stage of lunar exploration.

Its successor, Chang’e-8, is planned for around 2029. The two missions are intended to help prepare for China’s planned crewed lunar landing before 2030.

The missions could also provide technical and scientific knowledge for a permanent research station near the Moon’s south pole.

China’s plans coincide with NASA’s Artemis programme, which also seeks to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustained human presence.

NASA’s Artemis II mission completed a 10-day crewed lunar flyby in April. The four astronauts travelled farther from Earth than any previous humans, reaching about 252,756 miles before returning safely.

As China and other space powers turn their attention towards the lunar south pole, the search for water could become one of the defining goals of the next era of Moon exploration.