China prepares for launch of Chang'e-7 lunar probe

China is preparing for the launch of the Chang’e-7 lunar probe after the combination of the spacecraft and its Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket was moved vertically to the launch area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province, southern China, on Wednesday (19/8).

The lunar probe and the rocket arrived at the launch site in April and July respectively, and have completed the assembly and testing stages. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) stated that all facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition, and functional checks, combined tests, and propellant fuelling will be carried out before the launch according to schedule.

The Chang’e-7 mission aims to achieve breakthroughs in several key technologies, such as high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface, legged mobility, jumping, and exploration of craters that are permanently in shadow.

According to CMSA, the mission will adopt a comprehensive detection approach encompassing orbiting, landing, roving with a rover, and jumping to conduct environmental and resource surveys at the lunar south pole. The mission will also involve international cooperation, according to Xinhua.