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The Chang'e 7 robotic mission, under the China National Space Administration, plans to deploy six international science payloads to the moon's south pole by 2026. This initiative marks a significant phase in China's ongoing lunar exploration efforts.
Announced in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, the mission aims to conduct comprehensive surveys and analyses of the lunar south pole's s by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 25, 2024
The Chang'e 7 robotic mission, under the China National Space Administration, plans to deploy six international science payloads to the moon's south pole by 2026. This initiative marks a significant phase in China's ongoing lunar exploration efforts.
Announced in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, the mission aims to conduct comprehensive surveys and analyses of the lunar south pole's surface environment, including assessments of water ice and volatile elements in the lunar soil. Additionally, it will perform high-precision evaluations of the moon's terrains, compositions, and structures.
In November 2022, the space administration extended an invitation to the global scientific community, seeking proposals for payloads to be included on the Chang'e 7 probe. By January 2023, they received 18 proposals from 11 countries and various international organizations, demonstrating robust global interest.
After thorough evaluation based on scientific value and feasibility, six payloads from Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, and the International Lunar Observatory Association were chosen. These instruments will enhance the mission's scientific and operational capabilities.
The Chang'e 7 lander will host three instruments: the Laser Retroreflector Arrays from Italy's National Institute for Nuclear Physics for precise lunar measurements and navigation, a Lunar Dust and Electric Field Instrument from Russia to study the lunar surface's plasma environment, and an astronomical telescope by the International Lunar Observatory Association for space observations.
Additionally, three devices will be equipped on the orbiter: a Hyperspectral Camera, developed jointly by Egypt and Bahrain, to analyze lunar materials and environments; a Two-channel Spectrometer from Switzerland to monitor Earth's radiation balance from the moon; and a comprehensive sensor package for global space weather monitoring, crucial for predicting solar-induced magnetic and radiation disturbances.
Based on a Xinhua News Agency article
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