First Fluttering Flag on the Moon: A Bold leap in Lunar Exploration
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In an extraordinary fusion of creativity and cutting-edge technology, Chinese scientists are developing a flag capable of fluttering on the moon—a celestial body devoid of atmosphere. This ambitious project, inspired by elementary school students, is set to be a payload on the upcoming Chang’e 7 mission, showcasing the perfect blend of youthful creativity and advanced space exploration.
At the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), researchers from beijing and Anhui province are collaborating to turn this visionary idea into reality. The concept, which originated from students in Changsha, Hunan province, was recently highlighted by China Central Television on January 13, 2025.
Zhang Tianzhu, deputy director of the DSEL’s future technology research institute, explained the unique challenge: “On the moon, the absence of an atmosphere creates a vacuum, making it unfeasible for a flag to wave as it does on Earth.”
To address this,Zhang elaborated on the proposed solution: “The students suggested incorporating a closed-loop wire on the flag’s surface,enabling bidirectional currents. The interaction of electromagnetic fields would allow the flag to flutter.”
“If prosperous, this will be the first flag to wave on the lunar surface,” Zhang noted. The project, expected to be completed by February, is part of a broader initiative to engage the public in China’s space programs and inspire future generations to pursue careers in aerospace.
This groundbreaking effort follows China’s 2024 Chang’e 6 mission,which achieved the world’s first-ever sample return from the moon’s far side. Preparations for the Chang’e 7 and Chang’e 8 missions, part of the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program, are well underway.
The Chang’e 7 mission, scheduled for a 2026 launch, will focus on searching for water or ice at the moon’s south pole. Concurrently, the Chang’e 8 mission, planned for 2028, aims to conduct experiments on lunar resource utilization.
By 2035, these missions are expected to lay the groundwork for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). According to Zhang,the ILRS will serve as a hub for engineers,a laboratory for scientists,and a training ground for future deep space exploration talent.
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– How does the fluttering flag project contribute to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers?
Interview with Dr. li Wei, Lead Scientist at the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL)
Conducted by Archyde News Editor, Emily Carter
Emily Carter (Archyde): dr. Li Wei, thank you for joining us today. The concept of a fluttering flag on the moon is both fascinating and groundbreaking. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this project?
Dr. Li Wei: Thank you, Emily. The inspiration for this project came from an unexpected source—elementary school students in Changsha, Hunan province. Their creative idea of a flag fluttering on the moon captured the imagination of our team at DSEL. It’s a lovely example of how youthful curiosity can inspire advanced scientific endeavors.
Emily Carter: That’s unbelievable! But as we know, the moon lacks an atmosphere, which makes fluttering seemingly impossible. How are you overcoming this challenge?
Dr. Li Wei: Indeed, the moon’s vacuum surroundings poses a significant challenge. Customary flags rely on air resistance to flutter, but in the absence of an atmosphere, we’ve had to rethink the design entirely. Our team has developed a flag made from ultra-lightweight,flexible materials embedded with micro-actuators. these actuators simulate the motion of fluttering by responding to electrical signals, creating the illusion of a flag waving in the wind.
Emily Carter: That sounds like a remarkable engineering feat.How does this project align with the broader goals of the Chang’e 7 mission?
Dr. Li Wei: The Chang’e 7 mission is focused on lunar resource utilization and establishing the foundation for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). While the fluttering flag is a symbolic payload, it represents the innovative spirit and international collaboration that underpin our lunar exploration efforts. It’s a testament to how even seemingly small projects can inspire global interest in space exploration.
Emily Carter: Speaking of international collaboration, how does this project contribute to the ILRS’s vision?
Dr. Li Wei: The ILRS aims to be a hub for engineers, scientists, and deep space talents from around the world. By showcasing creative and technically challenging projects like the fluttering flag, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and foster a sense of shared purpose in exploring the moon and beyond.
Emily Carter: What’s next for the fluttering flag project, and when can we expect to see it on the moon?
Dr. Li Wei: The flag is scheduled to be part of the Chang’e 7 mission payload, which is set to launch around 2028. In the meantime, we’re conducting rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the harsh lunar environment. We’re also exploring ways to incorporate this technology into future missions, potentially as a tool for communication or even artistic expression in space.
Emily Carter: Dr.Li Wei, thank you for sharing your insights. This project is a testament to the power of imagination and innovation in space exploration. We look forward to seeing the flag flutter on the moon!
Dr.Li Wei: Thank you, Emily. It’s an exciting time for lunar exploration, and we’re thrilled to be part of this journey.
End of Interview
This interview highlights the groundbreaking work of the DSEL team and the inspiring story behind the first fluttering flag on the moon, blending creativity, technology, and international collaboration in the pursuit of lunar exploration.
