As the world marks International Moon Day on July 20, lunar exploration is gaining new momentum. Governments and space agencies are expanding scientific research, testing new technologies and strengthening international partnerships as they prepare for the next phase of exploring the Moon.

One of the most closely watched missions is China's Chang'e-7, scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026. The spacecraft and its Long March-5 carrier rocket have arrived at the Wenchang launch site, south China's Hainan Province, for final assembly and testing ahead of the mission.

Targeting the Moon's south pole, Chang'e-7 will conduct environmental and resource surveys, search for water ice in permanently shadowed craters, and demonstrate technologies such as precision landing and hopping exploration, which could support future lunar missions.

International cooperation has become an important feature of the mission. Chang'e-7 will carry six scientific payloads developed by partners from Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland and Thailand, together with the International Lunar Observatory Association.

The mission is also expected to provide scientific and technological support for the future International Lunar Research Station, an initiative designed to advance long-term lunar research through global collaboration.

China's upcoming mission reflects a broader trend in lunar exploration. As more countries pursue scientific discovery and peaceful cooperation in space, the Moon is increasingly becoming a shared destination for expanding knowledge, developing new technologies and paving the way for humanity's deeper exploration of the solar system.