China has abandoned plans to launch its Chang'e-7 lunar mission this year, after tropical storm Narra swept past Hainan island over the weekend. The China Manned Space Agency said late Sunday that the uncrewed spacecraft no longer meets conditions for a safe liftoff, citing principles of prudence and risk avoidance.
The Long March 5 rocket and probe had been rolled out to the Wenchang launch pad on 19 August, with specialists expecting liftoff at 08:00 local time today. Thailand's space research institute Narit indicated the delay could stretch a month, but the Chinese authority's statement suggests the launch window has now closed entirely for 2026. Narrow orbital mechanics required to reach the moon's south pole mean even short delays can force lengthy postponements.
The setback may ripple into Beijing's broader lunar ambitions, which include the Chang'e-8 mission planned for around 2028 and a crewed moon landing before 2030.