China delays robotic space mission to the Moon

China's space agency is delaying a planned research mission to the Moon.

The mission, which aimed to search for water on the Moon's south pole, was scheduled to depart either over the weekend or Monday, according to media reports.

The delay comes less than two weeks after a rare launch failure. Media reports showed a rocket launched from the site had exploded.

The agency said the mission "does not meet launch conditions and cannot take place during the planned window this year".

The decision to delay was based on things like safety and mission success.

So, what do we know and when will the mission go ahead? Keep reading to find out...

China's Chang'e 7 mission aims to land closer to the Moon's exact south pole than any spacecraft has before.

Just last week, the agency said the probe and carrier rocket had been moved to the takeoff area.

As of last week, the takeoff site and equipment were in good condition, with inspections to take place and a launch "scheduled for the coming period".

But now, the mission has been delayed.

And, there's currently no new date announced for the launch.

China wants to build a permanent research station on the Moon, and this mission is seen as the next step on that journey.

But, China aren't the only country planning Moon missions!

In April of this year, US space agency Nasa sent four astronauts on a historic mission around the moon.

Nasa has also selected where it wants to build a Moon base for future astronauts to live and work whilst exploring the Moon.

China is aiming for their first human landings on the Moon by 2030, while Nasa's Artemis IV mission hopes to achieve this in 2028.