Moon Archives - SpaceNews

Civil

China’s Chang’e-7 arrives at spaceport for lunar south pole exploration mission

by Andrew Jones April 10, 2026April 10, 2026

China’s multi-element Chang’e-7 lunar spacecraft has arrived at Wenchang spaceport for launch preparations ahead of a planned liftoff in the second half of 2026.

Artemis 2 lunar samples

Civil

Science finds a place on Artemis 2

by Jeff Foust March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

The Chang'e-6 lander and ascender on the far side of the moon. Credit: CNSA

Civil

China is developing low-cost lunar cargo options for its expanding moon program

by Andrew Jones March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

China tests crewed spacecraft abort and rocket recovery in major lunar milestone

by Andrew Jones February 11, 2026March 23, 2026

BFR lunar base

News

Musk says SpaceX focus is on the moon rather than Mars

by Jeff Foust February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

China’s Mengzhou crew spacecraft launches away from the pad during a successful pad abort test at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on June 17, 2025, with plumes of smoke and dust rising from the desert launch site.

Civil

China set for in-flight abort test of Mengzhou crew spacecraft

by Andrew Jones February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

A Long March rocket stands on a launch pad in a desert setting during a static fire test, with engines firing and producing a large plume of white and gray exhaust and dust spreading outward across the ground, framed by lightning towers under a clear sky.

Civil

China set for crewed lunar tests, record launches, moon mission and reusable rockets in 2026

by Andrew Jones January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Civil

China’s astronauts complete cave training amid preparations for moon missions

by Andrew Jones January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

A Long March 5 rocket lifts off at night from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China, illuminating the launch pad with bright exhaust flames and surrounded by thick clouds of smoke.

Civil

China plans 2026 debut of new rocket for crewed lunar and LEO missions

by Andrew Jones December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Artwork depicting lunar mining operations for Helium-3 involving harvesters, a solar power plant, rovers and return launchers. Credit: Interlune

Avoiding a harmful lunar ‘gold rush’

by Ian Crawford November 18, 2025November 18, 2025