Future Chinese Lunar Missions

The information available on these missions is limited and does not all come from official sources. The descriptions represent a somewhat speculative outline of the missions and will probably change as more information becomes available.

Chang'e 4 Lander and Rover on the Moon (Image: CNSA)

Chang'e 7 - Orbiter, Lander, Rover, Probe

Chang'e 7 is reported as the next launch in the series of the Chang'e missions. It is planned to make detailed surveys of the south polar region of the Moon, covering the terrain, geological composition, locations of water ice, and space environment. One of the primary objectives will be to detect water ice in permanently shadowed areas and determine its origin.

Chang'e 6 - Sample Return

The Chang'e 6 mission is a planned lander designed to return samples from the lunar south pole. It was designed as a backup for Chang'e 5. Whether it will land on the nearside polar region or the farside South Pole-Aitken Basin will depend to some extent on whether the Queqiao relay satellite is still operational and able to allow ground communication with the far side.

Chang'e 8 - Technology Tests

Chang'e 8 is designed to test technologies necessary to the construction of a lunar science base. It will also conduct surveys and scientific experiments.

Past and Current Missions

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NASA Official: Dave Williams, david.r.williams@nasa.gov
Last Updated: 3 September 2021, DRW