China plans to launch Chang'e-7 in 2026

China plans to launch the Chang'e-7 lunar probe in 2026 to search for water ice resources at the Moon's South Pole.

With the successful completion of the Chang'e-6 mission, the Chang'e-7 mission has been officially put on the agenda, according to China National Radio and Television on Monday (February 3, 2025). According to the plan, China will launch the Chang'e-7 lunar probe in 2026 to search for water ice resources at the lunar South Pole.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration project, said that there may be water ice in the deep caves at the lunar South Pole. Chang'e-7 will carry a leaper and enter the cave for on-site investigation after landing.

Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang'e-7 mission, pointed out that the discovery of lunar water ice will greatly reduce the cost of transporting water from the earth, help humans establish bases on the moon and conduct long-term activities, and then promote Mars exploration and deep space exploration. In addition, the existence of water ice also provides important clues for exploring whether there is life on the moon and other planets.