China’s upcoming Chang’e-7 mission is set to make history by creating the first fluttering flag on the moon’s surface. Scheduled for launch by 2026, the mission will send a probe to the moon’s south pole in search of water ice, a crucial resource for future lunar exploration.
A notable feature of this mission is an educational payload inspired by elementary school students from Changsha, in central China’s Hunan Province. The payload is designed to make a flag appear to wave on the moon’s surface, despite the absence of an atmosphere.
Using electromagnetic interactions, closed-loop wires embedded within the flag will carry alternating currents, generating magnetic fields that create the waving motion. Zhang Tianzhu, deputy head of the Institute of Future Technology at the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), explained, “This initiative is intended to enhance young students’ understanding of China’s space program and inspire their interest in pursuing space exploration in the future.”
If successful, this will be the first instance of a flag fluttering on the lunar surface, marking a significant milestone in space education and outreach.
In addition to the educational payload, the Chang’e-7 mission will carry six scientific instruments developed by six countries and one international organization. The participating countries are Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand, along with the International Lunar Observatory Association. This international collaboration highlights China’s commitment to cooperative space exploration efforts.
Reference(s):
China's Chang'e-7 to take payload for making flag flutter on moon
cgtn.com
