China Postpones Chang’e-7 Lunar Mission Launch

China has postponed the launch of the Chang’e-7 lunar mission, which was scheduled to depart from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan island in the coming days.

The probe is designed to explore water ice deposits near the Moon’s south pole. Officials gave no detailed technical reason for the delay, stating only that the schedule had been adjusted.

Chang’e-7 forms part of China’s broader lunar exploration programme that has already achieved soft landings and sample returns. The south-polar focus reflects growing international interest in permanently shadowed regions that may contain accessible water resources.

A revised launch window has not yet been announced. The postponement adds to a series of schedule adjustments across several national space programmes in 2026.