The Chang'e-7 lunar probe is scheduled for launch at an appropriate time, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The combination of the Chang'e-7 lunar probe and the Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket was transferred vertically on Wednesday to the launching area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, the CMSA said.
The lunar probe and rocket had arrived at the launch site in April and July, respectively, and have since completed assembly and testing. The CMSA said all facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition, and the functional checks, joint test and propellant filling will be carried out before the launch as scheduled.
The Chang'e-7 mission aims to achieve breakthroughs in multiple key technologies, such as high-precision soft landing on the lunar surface, legged movements, hopping and exploration of permanently shadowed craters.
According to the CMSA, the mission will employ a comprehensive detection approach, which involves orbiting, landing, roving and hopping to conduct environmental and resource surveys of the lunar south pole. It will also involve international cooperation.
China prepares to launch Chang'e-7 lunar probe
Officials and community representatives have expressed strong confidence that Macao's new five-year plan (2026-2030) for economic and social development will effectively leverage the special administrative region's advantages to advance the cause of "one country, two systems" and better integrate into and serve China's overall development.
The plan, released by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Tuesday, sets out eight development goals. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for Macao's next phase of growth, aligning closely with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) adopted by the National People's Congress in March.
"The Third Five-Year Plan is based on in-depth study and research into the new arrangements, new policies, new directions, key projects, and major initiatives of the national 15th Five-Year Plan and also considers the actual conditions and development needs of Macao and the Hengqin Cooperation Zone to identify Macao's strategic focus areas that leverage Macao's unique strengths and capabilities to meet national requirements and fully align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan," said Cheong Chok Man, director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR.
Community leaders from various sectors have praised the plan's participatory drafting process and its ambitious yet pragmatic vision for the city's future. "The government has fully absorbed public opinion during the planning stage. This plan is not only the government's agenda but truly belongs to all sectors of society. It is designed to better harness the synergy between an effective market and a capable government. I believe the entire society would work together to advance the high-quality development of the 'one country, two systems' practice with Macao characteristics and better integrate into the nation's overall development," said Tong Kai Chung, dean of the Macao Institute of Management and a member of the SAR's sixth-term Executive Council. "The Third Five-Year Plan has drawn a new blueprint for Macao's future and provided clearer direction for our youth. The plan specifically emphasizes 'supporting youth growth and development.' What young people need most are opportunities and platforms. We believe that in the coming years, Macao's youth will find greater prospects in emerging fields such as technological innovation, the digital economy, cultural tourism, and convention and exhibitions," said Wong Chi Choi, chairman of the Macao New Youth Association.
The plan underscores the SAR government's commitment to promoting moderate economic diversification and strengthening Macao's role as a bridge connecting China with Portuguese-speaking countries and the broader global community.
Macao's sectors vow concerted efforts to usher in new era of high-quality development
