The probe for China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission has been safely transported to the Wenchang Space Launch Site in South China's Hainan Province as of the evening of April 9, 2026. Photo: China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)

The probe for China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission has been safely transported to the Wenchang Space Launch Site in South China's Hainan Province, and pre-launch testing and preparations will now proceed as scheduled, according to a release issued by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Friday.

As of the evening of April 9, all components of the Chang'e-7 probe had arrived safely at the launch site via combined air and land transport, the CMSA said.

The Chang'e-7 mission aims to achieve breakthroughs in several key technologies, including high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface, legged mobility, lunar surface hopping, and exploration of permanently shadowed craters. Using a comprehensive exploration model involving orbiting, landing, roving and hopping, the mission will conduct surveys of the environment and resources in the lunar south pole region, while also advancing international cooperation in lunar exploration.

According to the CMSA, facilities and equipment at the Wenchang launch site are currently in good condition, and all preparatory work is progressing in an orderly manner. Chang'e-7 is scheduled for launch in the second half of this year at an appropriate time.

To fully leverage the country's strengths and build on the technological capabilities and practical experience accumulated over decades through the manned space program and the Chang'e lunar exploration program, China will further integrate existing resources and capabilities across its crewed lunar landing and uncrewed lunar exploration efforts, with the aim of enhancing the overall effectiveness of its lunar exploration program, the CMSA said.


Global Times