China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission is gearing up for a thrilling launch around 2026, and it's all set to uncover hidden secrets of the moon! With an advanced seismograph on board, scientists aim to study moonquakes and dive deep into the lunar interior to reveal differences between the moon's near and far sides — a fascinating phenomenon known as the moon's dichotomy. 🌗
Building on the legacy of earlier missions like Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6, which collected samples that highlighted dramatic contrasts between the two sides, the upcoming mission will target the moon's south pole. There, Chang'e-7 will not only search for water ice but also test cutting-edge technologies critical for sustainable activities on the moon.
One of the mission's most eye-catching innovations is its hopper spacecraft. This first-of-its-kind lunar explorer is designed to 'jump' from sunlit areas to shadowed craters, equipped with a water molecule analyzer and a deep-space landmark image navigation system to ensure precise landings—even on uneven slopes. Impressively, over half of its operations are autonomous, showcasing smart engineering and tech prowess. 🚀
The probe also features specially optimized vertical solar panels that capture low-angle sunlight near the lunar pole, ensuring a steady power supply. With the success of Chang'e-6, which in 2024 returned nearly 2 kilograms of samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, Chang'e-7 promises to push the boundaries of lunar exploration even further.
Stay tuned as Chang'e-7 prepares to set a new milestone in space exploration, inspiring future ventures and opening up new chapters in our understanding of the moon!
Reference(s):
China's Chang'e-7 to carry a seismograph, 2026 launch targeted
cgtn.com
