China postpones Chang’e‑7 lunar mission; US lunar launch also delayed

China’s space authority announced that the Chang’e‑7 mission will not launch as planned, saying the required launch conditions were not met and emphasizing prudence, reliability and absolute mission success. The probe, intended to land near the Moon’s south pole and investigate water ice, remains on the pad at the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan. With the current window closed, officials indicated the next opportunity will be in early 2027, when Earth‑Moon geometry allows new trajectory and lighting calculations.

In the United States, Blue Origin’s Lunar Base 1, featuring the Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander, has also been moved from a fall 2026 launch to the first quarter of 2027. Both programs now face delayed timelines for south‑pole exploration.