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China’s space agency CMSA has published an overview of the upcoming Chang’e missions, which are set to target the lunar south polar region. According to the authority, the focus is on scientifically little-explored areas near the south pole, whose permanently shadowed craters are considered of particular interest in the search for water ice.
The upcoming missions build on the successful Chang’e-6 sample return from the far side of the Moon and extend the lunar exploration program (CLEP) toward a possible crewed landing. Chang’e-7 is planned to explore the south polar region, while Chang’e-8 is intended as a technology demonstrator for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is also meant to involve international partners.
The south polar region has moved to the center of global spaceflight following recent successes by US and Japanese missions. China’s plans join this international race, with the scientific goal of analyzing water ice in shadowed craters and establishing the prerequisites for a permanent presence on the Moon. Specific launch dates for Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 were announced by CMSA as planned, without a binding schedule having been set so far.