plannedLunar south pole · orbiter, lander, rover

Chang'e-7

嫦娥七号

As of: 01/06/2026Planned: announced for ~2026

Source/Licence: placeholder image – to be cleared

Overview

Comprehensive exploration of the lunar south pole with an orbiter, lander, rover and a “hopping” mini-detector designed to reach permanently shadowed craters and search for water ice. According to CLEP, it helps scout sites for the future ILRS lunar base.

The launch should be read as planned/announced for roughly 2026 — Chinese maiden-flight dates shift frequently.

As of: 01 Jun 2026.

Quick facts

Status: planned
Planned: announced for ~2026
Launch vehicle: Long March 5 (CZ-5, expected)
Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site
Operator: CLEP / CNSA

Mission goals

Comprehensive exploration of the lunar south pole with an orbiter, lander and rover
Searching for water ice in permanently shadowed craters using a "hopping" mini-detector
Site selection for the future ILRS lunar research station

Timeline / milestones

announced for ~2026Planned launch (orbiter, lander, rover, hopping mini-detector)

Scientific results / significance

Chang'e-7 is the key mission for selecting a site for the planned ILRS lunar research station and for clarifying how much water ice is actually accessible at the south pole.

Video

— No verified video link yet.