Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site Achieves 50th Launch, to Execute Change-7 and Other Major Missions This Year
Summary: On July 30, 2026, the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site announced its 50th launch milestone, having supported the full construction of the China Space Station and multiple lunar missions, with plans to execute the Change-7 launch this year.
On July 30, 2026, China's Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site announced the successful completion of its 50th space launch mission, marking a new milestone for the facility in supporting the nation's major space endeavors. Since becoming operational, the launch site, with its unique geographical advantages of low latitude and coastal location, has become the core base for China's large and heavy-lift spacecraft launches.
The Wenchang launch site has played a pivotal role in China's space history. It has not only flawlessly supported the in-orbit construction and operational phases of the China Space Station—successfully launching the Tianhe core module, Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, as well as multiple crewed and cargo spacecraft—but has also executed several lunar exploration missions, including Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6, providing reliable launch support for scientific objectives like lunar sample return.
Looking ahead, the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site maintains a busy mission schedule. According to reports, the site plans to execute the launch of the Chang'e-7 probe this year. Chang'e-7 will conduct a detailed survey of the lunar south pole, searching for resources such as water ice, representing a crucial step in China's deep space exploration program. Furthermore, the launch site will continue to support various missions required for the routine operation of the space station.