China hunts for lunar ice in one of solar system's coldest places

China is preparing to launch its Chang'e-7 mission, an uncrewed lunar exploration, to search for frozen water in permanently shadowed craters near the moon's south pole. This technologically complex mission, named after a mythical Chinese goddess, will deploy a lander, rover, and 'hopping' probe to one of the coldest places in the solar system. The mission is a significant step towards China's long-term goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the moon, with plans for a crewed landing by 2030 and a joint research station with Russia by 2035. The south pole is targeted because its perpetually shadowed craters may preserve ancient water and organic compounds, crucial for future lunar bases to provide drinking water, oxygen, and rocket propellant, while illuminated peaks offer continuous solar power. The spacecraft will lift off from Wenchang Space Launch Site and examine potential landing sites, possibly near the Shackleton crater, with a landing estimated around November.