Chapter 1
The treasure hunt at the lunar south pole
Chapter 2
Artemis II and the American return
Chapter 3
China's robotic pioneer: Chang'e 7
Chapter 4
The global team-up: LUPEX
Chapter 5
The private sector and the future of lunar bases
YOUR GOAL
Master of The race for lunar water
Ch 3 · China's robotic pioneer: Chang'e 7
artiteacher China's Chang'e 7 Probe
Chang'e 7 to the Moon, a grand design, Hunting for water ice, in craters that shine!
artiteacher A unique, rocket-thrusted hopping probe will fly into permanently shadowed craters to physically test for water ice.
artiteacher Chang'e 7 is China's most complex lunar mission, utilizing an orbiter, lander, rover, hopping probe, and relay satellite.
BETA
artiteacher Steer your hopper into shadowed craters to discover how missions hunt for lunar ice.
Fun Fact
Lunar hopper: The Chang'e 7 hopping probe is essentially a mini flying robot that uses thrusters to jump in and out of freezing, pitch-black craters.
Glossary
lander (noun)
A spacecraft designed to land on the surface of an astronomical body. China's scheduled 2026 lunar mission will deploy one to search the south pole for water.
A spacecraft designed to land on the surface of an astronomical body. China's scheduled 2026 lunar mission will deploy one to search the south pole for water.
Quiz
What is the name of the Chinese moon goddess that inspires the name of China's lunar missions?
Quiz
Which heavy-lift rocket is scheduled to launch China's Chang'e 7 mission in late 2026?
Quiz
How many distinct spacecraft components make up the highly complex Chang'e 7 mission?
Quiz
What is the name of the relay satellite that enables communication with China's south pole missions?
Quiz
How will the Chang'e 7 hopping probe navigate the steep walls of dark lunar craters?