LAUNCH OF CHINA’S CHANG’E-7 ROBOTIC LUNAR MISSION, window opens Aug 24, 2026???
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China is expected to launch its next robotic lunar lander, Chang’e-7, in the second half of 2026. China typically doesn’t announce launch dates in advance, but outside observers can estimate launch dates by looking at Notices to Airmen (NOTAM’s) near the relevant launch site.
Andrew Jones, a free-lance space journalist who closely follows China’s space program, posted on X that NOTAMs indicate the launch window is open from August 24-31. That is not a definitive date.
Looks like there’s a NOTAM out indicating that the launch window for the Chang’e-7 lunar south polar landing mission opens at 0000 UTC August 24. Windows of 0000-0400 running through August 31. https://t.co/tnIfWCFT5Z
— Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) July 20, 2026
Chang’e-7 will land at the Moon’s South Pole. The Planetary Society has a useful summary of the mission.