China's Chang'e-7 Lunar Probe set for launch

August 19, 2026 (MLN): China's Chang'e-7 lunar probe is scheduled for launch at an appropriate time, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said, after the probe and its Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket were transferred vertically to the launching area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.

The probe and rocket arrived at the launch site in April and July, respectively, and have since completed assembly and testing, APP reported.

The CMSA said all facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition, with functional checks, a joint test, and propellant filling to be carried out ahead of the scheduled launch.

The Chang'e-7 mission is aimed at achieving breakthroughs in several key technologies, including high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface, legged movement, hopping capability, and exploration of permanently shadowed craters.

According to the CMSA, the mission will use a comprehensive detection approach  orbiting, landing, roving and hopping  to carry out environmental and resource surveys of the lunar south pole, and will involve international cooperation.

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