Authors: Dr. Rizwan Naseer and Laiba*
With the successful Chang’e 6 mission, China is now slated to launch Chang’e 7 in 2026. This is the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program, which started in 2004, marking the beginning of making lunar colonization a realistic possibility. This mission encompasses the smart robotic detector that would be launched on the south pole of the moon. Aimed at the deep analysis of the Atkins Basin-South pole (largest and deepest crater on the far side of the moon), this exploration mission would hunt for substantial resources like ice water in darker craters while testing the capabilities of China’s lunar crew to reach different moon regions. However, desired accomplishments from Chang’e 7 would pave the way for Chang’e 8 and future lunar research stations. With the confirmation of water resources, the cost for future missions would be reduced as ice water would provide essential substances like oxygen and fuel for the exploration crew. The success of Chang’e 7 would enhance the possibility of Mars exploration and analysis of deep space.
As far as the technology is concerned, unlike traditional rovers, China is deploying a flying robot, a smart hopper comprised of the orbiter, lander, lunar rover, and mini flying detector. Chang’e 7 hopper is designed in such a way that it can counter the challenging environment at the South Pole. The multilegged (six-legged) flying detector can climb, jump, crawl, and fly through rocket propulsion to reach the areas that are inaccessible by traditional rovers, especially the darker craters. The rover is not just a drone but an AI-powered rocket that would be used as a robotic explorer. Hopping from one location to another, the detector would thoroughly scan the lunar soil. Unlike wheeled rovers, which are limited to flat and even surfaces, the Chang’e 7 hopper can move to dozens of kilometers reaching the regions never seen before.
However, the rocket propulsion system makes it more efficient and special. The rocket thrusters have mini fuel tanks that allow the rocket to launch itself across different lunar regions. Along with the above-mentioned technological features, the Chang’e 7 contains a water molecule analyzer, a hydrogen isotope analyzer, high-resolution cameras, and modern shock-absorbing technology.
The water molecule analyzer is a device capable of directly analyzing the presence of water ice (frozen chunks of water in darker craters of the moon less than 10 centimeters long) on lunar soil; the hydrogen isotopes analyzer on the other hand would determine the age of billions of years old ice water in permanently shadowed areas (PSA). The water present on the moon can be converted into fuel for rocket work without the need for any direct fuel from Earth. Subsequently, it will reduce the reliance on the earth’s resources making the concept of an interplanetary economy a reality.
However, for the collection and study of samples of various molecules present in the dark craters (permanently shadowed areas that never see sunlight),59 a unique robotic arm has been designed. Furthermore, to have comprehensive imagery and mapping of the celestial surface the mission is carrying high-resolution cameras. It is important to mention here that Bahrain and Egypt (Arab countries) have contributed to the development of such hyperspectral cameras. Contributions of Arab countries in the lunar mission should be seen as a step towards the enhanced efforts of these states in a space race.
As changing conditions and uneven terrain of Atkin-Basin would pose a significant threat, sometimes temperature falls below 100°C with the lunar surface filled with cliffs and rough crusts. To survive such an environment the hopper uses significant shock absorption technology to ensure a safe and stable landing while minimizing the risk of damage. Chang’e 7 mission is not just about bringing evidence of water ice on the moon rather it is part of China’s aim of developing an international lunar human base by 2030. The success of this Mission would open up a new era in space exploration. With a permanent and substantial human presence on the moon, the mission would reduce the cost of future missions in space.
Besides, it will help in understanding the solar system with the pieces of evidence from billions of years old water ice present in the darker craters of the moon. Many Lunar missions have been sent into space before like NASA’s lunar reconnaissance orbiter (Iro) and India’s Chandrayaan-1. These missions have provided evidence of the water presence but the exact quantity depth and quality remained unspecified. Here the Chnag’e 7 comes in to observe and map such resources. China has also experienced historic landings like Chang’e 4 which remained successful in collecting samples from the far side of the moon and Chang’e 5 which successfully returned with various useful samples like lunar minerals and rocks from celestial surfaces.
China’s interest in space is evident from this mission, along with the proof of China’s growing presence in space. This mission is not just the exploration of moon resources however it would be a great leap for humanity into the cosmos. With Chang’e 7 China is pushing its capabilities to reach more inaccessible areas of lunar soil making itself a major player in the space race. The mission is considered a blend of innovative and ambitious objectives of China that it wanted to achieve in the form of a future human base in space. It could change everything about space from moon bases to deep space travel and enhance human understanding of the solar system.
The fourth phase of China’s Chang’e program for lunar exploration is set to launch in 2026. If successful, this mission could significantly enhance our understanding of the solar system, particularly about the presence of water resources on the Moon, which would transform future space research initiatives. Access to reserves of water ice on the Moon would greatly reduce reliance on Earth’s resources, as this water could be used for fuel, oxygen, and drinking, supporting sustainable human habitation. Utilizing advanced technology from the Chang’e 7 mission, this upcoming endeavor will enable detailed analysis of the lunar surface, providing valuable information about the soil and available resources. This represents a significant advancement in China’s space capabilities and marks a remarkable achievement in the ongoing space race. Following the Chang’e 7 mission, China plans to launch Chang’e 8, which will test resource utilization technologies aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. If these missions succeed, China could begin a new phase of exploration for other celestial bodies. These initiatives illustrate China’s commitment to exploring space for peaceful purposes. The intriguing Darker Craters region, believed to contain significant quantities of water ice, could pave the way for a new era of interplanetary travel. By leveraging AI technology, China is charting a new course in space exploration through the Chang’e 7 mission.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the organization with which they are affiliated.
*Laiba is intern at the China Programme at the Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad. She is undergrad student at the International Islamic University Islamabad.