Key facts
- China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission has been postponed.
- The mission was scheduled to launch this year from the Wenchang Space Launch Site.
- The delay is due to a need for 'absolute success' and a comprehensive assessment.
- Potential factors include weather and sunlight conditions for polar landing.
- The mission is now planned for launch in 2027.
China's highly anticipated Chang'e 7 lunar exploration mission has been postponed to 2027, according to an announcement from the nation's "Manned Space" program. The agency stated that the mission could not proceed during its planned launch window this year due to the need for 'absolute success' and a comprehensive assessment.
The mission, which includes a lunar orbiter, lander, rover, and a mini-hopper probe, was initially set to launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. While official sources have not detailed the specific reasons for the delay, speculation points to inclement weather caused by Typhoon Narra, which has been meandering near the launch site. Forecasters may have determined that the weather would not permit a launch within the current window required to reach the Moon's South Pole.