Next year, China is gearing up to send a flying robot to the moon’s far side in a groundbreaking mission to hunt for frozen water. This discovery could be a game-changer for future lunar exploration, as frozen water might help sustain astronauts and even reduce the cost of space missions.

The flying robot, part of the Chang’e-7 mission, will head to the moon’s south pole, an area that’s been largely unexplored. Scientists believe this region, with its deep craters and permanent shadows, might hide ice deposits. If found, these could provide valuable resources for astronauts, potentially supporting longer missions and even lunar bases.

This isn’t the first time water has been spotted on the moon. NASA, India, and China have all found traces of water in the past. But the focus now is on ice, which could be more stable and useful for future missions. According to experts, ice in the moon’s craters might be preserved due to the extreme cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -250°F.

The Chang’e-7 mission aims to conduct the most detailed survey of the moon’s south pole yet. Along with an orbiter, lander, and rover, the flying robot w