China plans to launch a bouncing probe to the moon in 2026

China in 2026 plans to send a jumping research probe "Chang'e-7" to the Moon to search for water. This was reported by China Central Television on February 3.

According to Deputy Chief Designer of the mission Tang Yuhua, "Chang'e-7" will consist of four vehicles: orbital and landing modules, lunar rover and directly jumping probe with a water analyzer. Jumping apparatus is able to move tens of kilometers, and, unlike traditional probes, it will land on the surface of the moon not once, but three times.

It is also noted that the success of the mission to search for water at the South Pole will simplify the creation of the lunar base by reducing the time of delivery of liquid to the Earth's satellite.

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Earlier on January 21, The South China Morning Post reported that Chinese astronauts for the first time synthesized oxygen and ingredients for rocket fuel in orbit.

On July 16, Chinese scientists reported that they had found traces of water in lunar soil samples from the Chang'e-5 spacecraft. Based on the discovery, it can be concluded that water molecules may exist on the surface of the Moon in the form of hydrated salts. The exploitation of natural resources on the Earth's satellite will become the basis for the formation of a permanent lunar base.