Unlike traditional rovers, which are limited in range, this advanced flying detector—capable of crawling, jumping, and soaring using rocket propulsion—will explore regions that were previously inaccessible. It can leap dozens of kilometers in a single bound, reaching shadowed craters where water ice may have remained frozen for billions of years.
Equipped with a six-legged design, state-of-the-art navigation systems, and scientific instruments powered by a mix of fuel and solar energy, the robot will analyze the Moon’s environment in unprecedented detail. This mission is a critical step in China’s broader goal of establishing a permanent research station on the Moon, paving the way for future crewed missions and long-term space exploration.
Is There Water on the Moon? China’s Chang’e-7 Mission Seeks Answers
For decades, scientists have speculated that the Moon’s south pole may hold vast ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions—potentially providing essential resources for future lunar colonies. Water on the Moon could serve as a source of drinking water, oxygen, and even rocket fuel, reducing reliance on costly Earth-based supplies.The Chang’e-7 mission is designed to put this theory to the test. Its cutting-edge flying robot will navigate the Moon’s rugged terrain, making giant leaps across the surface to gather crucial data. If successful, this mission will mark a significant milestone in China’s vision for space exploration, including the construction of a lunar research station and human missions to the Moon by 2030.