China’s Chang’e-7 mission: A flying robot to explore the moon’s far side in search of frozen water

China is preparing to launch a flying robot to the far side of the moon next year as part of its Chang’e-7 mission, which will explore the lunar south pole in search of frozen water that could be crucial for future lunar exploration.

This mission marks an important milestone in China's growing space ambitions, which have seen the country steadily increase its presence in space over the years.

The flying robot, referred to as a “flying detector,” will be deployed to explore the moon's south pole. The mission is designed to bring China closer to its goal of landing astronauts on the moon within the next five years, according to state media reports.

The Chang’e-7 mission will combine an orbiter, lander, rover, and flying robot to conduct an in-depth survey of the area.

China’s push into space is motivated by both scientific interest and national security concerns. Nations around the world, including the United States, are turning their attention to space not only for scientific research but also to secure valuable resources.

Water on the moon is particularly important for future lunar missions, as it could be used to support human life and reduce the costs of space travel.

While previous missions, such as China’s Chang’e-5 lunar probe and NASA’s spacecraft, have found water on the moon, scientists believe that ice, which may be trapped deep within the moon’s far side craters, could be key to supporting future missions.

Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Project, explained that these deep craters may harbor significant water ice deposits. "We hope the flying detector can conduct on-site inspections into one or two caves after landing," he told Chinese state media.

The discovery of ice on the moon could have long-term benefits, providing a sustainable water source for astronauts and helping to lay the groundwork for a research base at the moon's south pole. Additionally, it could also provide insight into the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

However, experts have pointed out that while these findings are promising, they are far from being immediately useful for activities such as growing crops or producing drinkable water. The effectiveness of lunar ice depends on its abundance and its chemical form, which are still not fully understood.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has made significant progress in recent years, carrying out complex robotic missions, including the return of lunar samples from the moon’s far side.

China has set a target to become the second nation to land astronauts on the moon, with its first crewed mission planned for "by 2030."

The Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for 2026, will be the most comprehensive survey yet of the moon’s south pole, aiming to analyze the region’s surface, including conducting detailed searches for ice deposits.

The flying robot will play a crucial role in this mission, with its unique ability to bend its legs and leap between sunlit areas and shadowed craters. Although the specifics of its design remain unclear, it is expected to complete at least three jumps to conduct detailed analyses of potential ice deposits.

Scientists believe that lunar ice is concentrated in the coldest, darkest areas of the poles, where sunlight never reaches due to the tilt of the moon’s axis.

These areas have temperatures that drop below minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit, presenting extreme challenges for the flying robot.

Tang Yuhua, the deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-7 mission, acknowledged the difficulty of the task. "To work for a long time under these circumstances is a big challenge," he said, highlighting the harsh conditions the robot will face.

This article is adapted from CNN.com.