China's next moonshot: Chang'e 7 could search the lunar south pole for water this year

An illustration of a spacecraft covered in gold foil next to the moon in space.

China's next robotic moon mission is scheduled to launch later this year, helping set the stage for the nation's planned multi-phased lunar outpost.

The Chang'e 7 mission is on tap to reconnoiter the moon's south pole, making use of an orbiter, lander, rover and a water-seeking, well-instrumented lunar hopper.