Chang'e-7
CNSA (China National Space Administration) · Moon (south pole)
China's next lunar mission is postponed: the agency announced on 23 August that it does not meet launch conditions and cannot fly in this year's planned window.
At a glance
- Phase
- development
- Operator
- CNSA (China National Space Administration)
- Destination
- Moon (south pole)
- Next milestone
- Launch of Chang'e-7 from Wenchang on the Long March-5 Y14; the agency says the mission cannot fly in this year's planned window and has announced no new date
- Last verified
- 29 August 2026
Where it stands
Postponed: the China Manned Space Agency announced on 23 August 2026 that, after comprehensive assessment, the mission does not meet launch conditions and its launch cannot take place during the planned window this year. No reason was detailed and no new date has been given.
The mission
China's next lunar mission, Chang'e-7, has been postponed. The assembled stack completed vertical transfer to the launching area at Wenchang on 19 August 2026, but on 23 August the China Manned Space Agency announced that, on the principle of prudence, reliability and absolute success, and after comprehensive assessment, the mission does not meet launch conditions and its launch, in Xinhua's English wording, 'cannot take place during the planned window this year'. No reason was detailed and no new date was given. The mission combines orbiting, landing, roving and hopping to survey the environment and resources of the lunar south pole, including permanently shadowed craters.
Related
Sources
- cmse.gov.cn · https://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/202608/t20260823_57750.html
- english.news.cn · https://english.news.cn/20260823/eabbb60384b7477594e7fd84789044ae/c.html
- english.news.cn · https://english.news.cn/20260819/449ddc15c79749c5a560903d30a27cf4/c.html
- cnsa.gov.cn · https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c10768944/content.html