China Postpones Lunar Water-Hunting Mission Amid Space Race with U.S.
China has postponed the launch of its robotic Chang'e-7 mission, which was designed to search for water ice at the moon's south pole. The mission, initially expected to lift off as early as Sunday evening or Monday morning Beijing time, 'cannot take place during the planned window this year,' according to a statement from the China Manned Space Engineering Office, shared by Chinese state media. The precise reason for the delay was not immediately clear, with state media only stating that the 'lunar probe does not meet launch conditions' and that the assessment followed principles of prudence and mission success. Wiphu Rujopakarn, executive director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), indicated the mission is now expected next year, possibly in spring or mid-summer, citing challenging technical requirements and weather conditions, specifically high-altitude winds in southern China. 
