@cosmos4u@scicomm.xyzSunday, August 23rd at 12:00 AM UTC Is Lift Off for China's Chang'e 7 mission which will explore the Moon's south pole, targeting the rim of Shackleton Crater. Its main goal is to search for water ice hidden inside permanently shadowed craters: #ChangE7 will include an orbiter, lander, rover and a unique hopping probe that can leap into dark craters no rover can reach.
@cosmos4u@scicomm.xyz"Based on the principles of prudence, reliability, and absolute safety, and after comprehensive assessment, the Chang'e-7 mission does not meet the launch requirements," says #ChangE7 was grounded: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/due-to-need-for-absolute-success-china-delays-critical-moon-launch-to-2027/ and https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/bad-weather-delays-launch-of-chinas-historic-change-7-mission-to-moons-south-pole
@cosmos4u@scicomm.xyzRE: #ChangE7 is "scheduled for launch at an appropriate time" - a good idea indeed ...