China postpones launch of unprecedented water-hunting moon mission amid space race

China has delayed its Chang'e-7 moon mission, which was set to launch this week from Hainan province, primarily due to high-altitude winds from a passing weather system. The mission, targeting the lunar south pole to drill for water ice, is now expected to launch in 2027. The delay matters because both the US and China are racing to reach the south pole first, where water ice could support future lunar settlements.