Chang’e-7 Lunar Probe Moves to Launch Area Ahead of Mission
China’s Chang’e-7 lunar probe has been moved to the launch area as the country prepares for a mission focused on exploring the Moon’s south pole and testing new lunar technologies.
The Chang’e-7 probe and Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket were transferred vertically to the launching area on Wednesday at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China’s Hainan Province, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
The mission is scheduled to launch at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, teams at the launch site are completing preparations for the next stage of the mission.
Probe and Rocket Complete Preparations
The Chang’e-7 lunar probe arrived at the launch site in April, while the Long March-5 Y14 rocket arrived in July.
Since then, the spacecraft and rocket have completed assembly and testing. The China Manned Space Agency said the launch site’s facilities and equipment are operating normally.
Before launch, teams will carry out functional checks and joint testing. They will also complete propellant filling according to the planned schedule.
The movement of the spacecraft and rocket to the launching area marks another step towards the Chang’e-7 mission.
Mission Targets Lunar South Pole
Chang’e-7 aims to achieve breakthroughs in several key lunar exploration technologies.
The mission will test high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface. It will also explore technologies involving legged movement and hopping across the Moon.
In addition, the probe will investigate permanently shadowed craters, which form an important part of the mission’s exploration objectives.
These activities will support a broader survey of the lunar south pole and its environment and resources.
Orbital, Landing and Hopping Exploration
According to the China Manned Space Agency, Chang’e-7 will use a comprehensive detection approach during its mission.
The exploration programme will combine orbiting, landing, roving and hopping. Together, these methods will allow the mission to conduct environmental and resource surveys across the lunar south pole.
The mission will therefore involve several forms of lunar exploration rather than relying on a single spacecraft activity.
Chang’e-7 will also include international cooperation as part of its lunar exploration programme.
With the probe and Long March-5 rocket now positioned in the launch area, preparations will continue with final checks, joint testing and propellant filling ahead of the scheduled launch.