The Chang’e-7 mission, a pivotal part of China’s lunar exploration program, has entered the phase of formal sample development. According to official information from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the mission is progressing smoothly, with the Queqiao-2 relay satellite conducting normal scientific探测 in orbit.
Progress and Upcoming Milestones
As reported by IT Home on September 3, the Chang’e-7 mission is actively preparing for its scientific objectives and applications. The CNSA plans to hold an academic symposium on the feasibility of the Chang’e-7 mission’s scientific goals and preliminary research on scientific applications on October 13, 2024. This event aims to refine the optimal detection scenarios for various payloads, obtain the best possible data, and deepen the understanding of these payloads among scientific researchers, thereby advancing preparation for scientific research.
嫦娥 Six and Seven Missions
The Chang’e-6 mission is scheduled for launch around 2025 from Wenchang, focusing on on-site investigation and analysis of the lunar far side landing area. This mission will collect samples for systematic and long-term laboratory research. Following this, the Chang’e-7 mission is planned for launch around 2026. Its primary objectives include environmental and resource exploration of the lunar south pole, laying the groundwork for the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Composition and Objectives of Chang’e-7
The Chang’e-7 mission is a significant component of China’s Phase IV lunar exploration program. It is designed to work in conjunction with the Chang’e-8 mission (scheduled for launch in 2028) to form the basic configuration of the ILRS. Public information reveals that the Chang’e-7 spacecraft will consist of an orbiter, lander, rover, and a hopping module. The hopping module is particularly innovative, capable of multiple take-offs, landings, and movements on the lunar surface, enabling in-depth exploration of the permanent shadow craters at the lunar south pole for water ice detection.
International Collaboration
China’s commitment to international lunar research is evident in the Chang’e-7 mission’s payload, which will include 21 scientific payloads, six of which are international. This reflects China’s willingness to collaborate with global partners in space exploration, sharing knowledge and resources to advance humanity’s understanding of the Moon and its potential for scientific and resource exploitation.
The International Lunar Research Station
The ILRS is a collaborative effort between China and other international partners, aimed at establishing a permanent research presence on the Moon. The Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions are crucial in achieving this goal. The ILRS will serve as a platform for conducting a wide range of scientific experiments, technological demonstrations, and resource exploration activities, contributing to the long-term goal of human lunar exploration and utilization.
Conclusion
The Chang’e-7 mission represents a significant step forward in China’s lunar exploration efforts and its commitment to international collaboration in space. As the mission progresses, it promises to yield valuable insights into the Moon’s environment and resources, paving the way for future scientific discoveries and potential lunar development. The upcoming academic symposium and the planned missions of Chang’e-6 and Chang’e-7 underscore China’s dedication to expanding its lunar research capabilities and contributing to the global scientific community’s understanding of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor.
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