China plans to launch its Chang'e-7 lunar probe this year to search for water ice near the Moon's south pole, state media said. [1]
The mission is part of Phase 4 of China's lunar exploration program. It will survey the south polar surface environment and look for water ice deposits in lunar regolith. It will also study lunar topography, material composition and geological structure. [1]
China said the probe is aimed at the Moon's south pole, an area that has drawn interest because of its potential water ice reserves. The report said the spacecraft is meant to help map conditions at the site and add data for future lunar work. [1]
China also says its crewed lunar program is moving toward a goal of landing astronauts on the Moon before 2030. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. said development of major flight products, including the Long March-10 rocket, the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander, is progressing smoothly. [1]
Sun Zezhou spoke to reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of China's national "two sessions" and discussed the lunar exploration program. A photo in the report showed visitors at the 2026 Beijing International Commercial Space Exhibition in Beijing on Jan. 23, 2026. [1]
