Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

China's Chang'e-7 lunar probe, scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2026, arrived at the launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province Thursday evening.

The probe will undergo a series of pre-launch tests and preparations in accordance with the planned schedule.

The Chang'e-7 mission aims to achieve several key technological breakthroughs, including high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface, walking with its legs, lunar surface leaping, and exploration of permanently shadowed craters.

The mission will adopt an integrated exploration approach, combining orbiting, landing, roving, and hopping, to survey the environment and resources of the lunar south pole, while also carrying out international cooperation.

Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

Chang'e-7 lunar probe arrives at launch site in Hainan

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call on Monday that Russia was launching systematic strikes on facilities in Kiev used by the Ukrainian military, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

According to the ministry, Lavrov conveyed the message to Rubio on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the strikes were a response to alleged Ukrainian attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure on Russian territory.

Lavrov also noted an earlier foreign ministry statement, recommending that the United States, along with foreign diplomatic missions, ensure the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and other citizens from the Ukrainian capital.

The two sides exchanged views on diplomatic initiatives related to the Strait of Hormuz and the situation surrounding Cuba, the ministry said. Lavrov and Rubio also reaffirmed their intention to intensify efforts to normalize the operation of U.S. and Russian diplomatic missions on each other's territories despite existing disagreements, according to the statement.

Lavrov informs Rubio of Russia's strikes on military facilities in Kiev