China plans to fly its flag on the Moon without air

Jan. 9 () –

Chinese scientists are exploring the feasibility of an idea proposed by primary school students: Create a flag that can fly on the Moon without air.

The Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) is developing a payload for the Chang’e-7 mission, inspired by the creativity of students from Changsha, Hunan province, CCTV reported on Wednesday.

This payload, a scientific dissemination project, will accompany the Chang’e-7 probe to the lunar south pole, with the aim of use electromagnetic field interactions to make the flag appear to be flying on the Moon, said Zhang Tianzhu, deputy director of DSEL’s future technology research institute.

“We know that on the Moon, the absence of atmosphere creates a vacuum, which makes it difficult for a flag to fly like it does on Earth,” Zhang explained. quoted by Xinhua.

“The students proposed that we design a closed-loop wire on the surface of the flag, which would allow bidirectional currents. The interaction of electromagnetic fields would allow the flag to fly,” he said.

“If successful, it will be the first flag to fly on the lunar surface“said Zhang, adding that this popular science payload project is expected to conclude in February.

Zhang said this initiative could improve young people’s understanding of China’s space efforts and spark their interest and enthusiasm for future careers in aerospace.

In 2024, China’s Chang’e-6 mission successfully completed the first sample return mission from the far side of the moon.

This year, the development of the follow-up missions, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, within the framework of the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration project, moved forward steadily.

The Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for release around 2026aims to search for evidence of water or ice at the moon’s south pole.

In addition, researchers are advancing validation processes for the subsequent Chang’e-8 mission and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) projects.

The Chang’e-8 probe will be launched around 2028 to conduct experiments on the utilization of lunar resources.

By 2035, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 are expected to form the basic model of the ILRS: a center for engineers, a laboratory for scientists and a cradle for international deep space talentsaccording to Zhang.