ScienceChina delays Chang’e-7 lunar mission: Why the moon’s south pole matters

China’s manned space agency said on Aug. 23 that the Chang’e-7 lunar probe failed to meet launch conditions after a comprehensive assessment and could not fly during this year’s planned window. The mission, intended to launch on a Long March 5 rocket, is part of Beijing’s effort to land astronauts on the moon by 2030.