# China postpones Chang'e-7 lunar mission beyond planned 2026 launch window

_Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 10:38 AM EDT · Science, Infrastructure · Developing · Tier 2 — Notable_

![China postpones Chang'e-7 lunar mission beyond planned 2026 launch window — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/china-abruptly-postpon.jpg)

China said it has postponed the Chang'e-7 lunar mission because launch conditions were not met, ending its planned launch window this year. The China Manned Space Agency said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment but did not give a reason or replacement date. Preparations had been underway at Wenchang for the mission, which was intended to explore the lunar south pole, including permanently shadowed craters and potential water ice.

## Sources

- [Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-china-abruptly-postpones-ambitious-lunar.html)

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