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Chang’e-7 Mission: China to Send Flying Robot to Moon’s Far Side in Search of Ice

China plans to send a flying robot to the moon’s far side to search for ice, aiming to support future lunar missions.

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Chang’e-7 Mission: China to Send Flying Robot to Moon’s Far Side in Search of Ice

China is preparing to send a flying robot to the far side of the moon next year. The mission aims to search for frozen water, which could be crucial for future lunar exploration. Moreover, the Chang’e-7 mission will bring China closer to landing astronauts on the moon within five years, according to state media reports.

China Expands Space Ambitions

In recent years, China has made rapid progress in space exploration. Not only is the country advancing its scientific goals, but it is also competing with other nations like the United States, which are investing heavily in space programs. Furthermore, these efforts are driven by the search for resources and national security advantages.

Lunar Ice Could Support Future Missions

Although scientists have already found traces of water on the moon, experts believe ice deposits in deep craters could be more valuable. In fact, in 2023, Chinese researchers detected water in soil samples from the Chang’e-5 mission. Additionally, NASA and India’s space agency have also identified potential water sources on the moon’s surface.

However, some experts argue that ice preserved in permanently shadowed craters on the moon’s far side may be the most useful. This is because such deposits could provide drinking water and even fuel, significantly reducing mission costs. As a result, China’s Chang’e-7 mission will play a key role in preparing for a future research base at the moon’s south pole.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Project, told CCTV, “There are some very deep caves at the south pole of the moon, and we think there may be water there. We hope the flying detector can conduct on-site inspections into one or two caves after landing.”

Flying Robot Will Explore Craters

So far, China has launched several advanced lunar missions. For instance, in 2023, it became the first country to return samples from the moon’s far side. Now, the country is determined to land astronauts on the moon before 2030.

As part of this effort, the Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for 2026, will conduct a detailed survey of the moon’s south pole. To achieve this, it will use an orbiter, a lander, a rover, and a flying robot.

Interestingly, experts say the robot will have flexible legs, allowing it to land like a human jumping. Although reports have not specified how many legs it will have, scientists confirm that it will perform at least three jumps. More importantly, it will move from sunlit areas into shadowed craters to locate and analyze ice deposits.

Extreme Conditions Pose Challenges

Since lunar ice exists in the coldest and darkest regions of the moon, scientists face major challenges. In particular, these areas never receive sunlight due to the moon’s tilt. Consequently, temperatures can drop to -250°F (-157°C).

Due to these extreme conditions, the mission requires advanced technology. Addressing this concern, Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-7 mission, acknowledged the difficulties ahead. “To work for a long time under these circumstances is a big challenge,” he told state media.