China is planning a groundbreaking mission to explore the moon’s hidden depths with a flying robot. This robotic “flying detector” will be sent to the far side of the moon next year as part of China’s ambitious space program. The mission, named Chang’e-7, aims to search for frozen water that could be crucial for future lunar exploration and potentially support human life on the moon.
China’s efforts in space exploration are significant as it strives to establish itself as a major player in this domain. By discovering water on the moon’s far side, China hopes to pave the way for landing astronauts on the lunar surface within the next five years. The country’s space experts believe that finding ice deposits, particularly in deep craters on the moon’s far side, could be a game-changer for sustaining human life on the moon and reducing the costs of future space missions.
The flying robot, designed to conduct on-site inspections, will be a key component of the Chang’e-7 mission. Equipped with the ability to leap from sunlit areas to shadowed craters, the flying detector will analyze the location, quantity, and distribution of ice on the moon. This innovative approach aims to explore the deepest and coldest areas at the lunar poles where ice deposits are likely to be found.
China’s National Space Administration has been actively engaged in robotic lunar missions, including the successful return of lunar samples last year. With the Chang’e-7 mission set for 2026, China is moving closer to its goal of sending astronauts to the moon by 2030. The flying robot, alongside an orbiter, lander, and rover, will play a crucial role in conducting a comprehensive survey of the lunar south pole and advancing our understanding of lunar resources for future exploration.
Harsh conditions would severely test the flying robot. “To work for a long time under these circumstances is a big challenge,” he told state media. CNN’s Simone McCarthy, Jessie Yeung, and Ashley Strickland contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.
