China plans to send a robotic lunar probe, Chang'e-7, to the Moon's South Pole in 2026. The mission will feature a unique jumping robot designed to search for water ice in permanently shadowed craters.
The robot, described as "extremely intelligent" by mission deputy chief designer Tang Yuhua, will be able to hop across the lunar surface, mimicking human movement. This capability will allow the robot to traverse challenging terrain and reach areas inaccessible to traditional rovers.
The mission aims to confirm the presence of water ice in the Moon's South Pole, building upon previous discoveries of water molecules in sunlit regions. The presence of water ice is crucial for future lunar exploration, as it could provide a resource for human settlements and potential fuel for deep space missions.