China postpones its Chang’e-7 mission, which is designed to search for and drill for water ice near the Moon’s south pole. China’s human spaceflight programme authority says the mission was not launched as scheduled, after an assessment to ensure it meets required conditions.
Outlets report different reasons cited for the delay. Space.com attributes it to bad weather, saying a storm develops near China’s launch area. France 24 says officials state the mission does not meet launch conditions but does not provide specific details. The South China Morning Post also links the postponement to a comprehensive assessment, without citing weather explicitly. None of the sources announce a new launch date.
