China Delays Critical Moon Launch to 2027
China's "Manned Space" program has announced a delay for its Chang'e 7 lunar mission, originally slated for launch this year. The decision cites the need to ensure "absolute success."
China's "Manned Space" program announced on Sunday that the highly anticipated Chang'e 7 lunar exploration mission has been postponed. The agency stated that, "in keeping with the principle of proceeding prudently and reliably, and ensuring absolute success," it has been determined that the mission does not meet launch conditions.
The new target launch year is now 2027. No specific reasons for the delay were provided by the agency, which operates from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The mission had been scheduled to launch as early as Sunday on a Long March 5 rocket.
The Chang'e 7 mission comprises a lunar orbiter, lander, rover, and a small "hopper" probe. Its primary objective is to land at the Moon's South Pole.
This delay marks a setback for China's ambitious space program, which has seen significant progress in its lunar exploration efforts, including sample return missions and preparations for future crewed landings.