Flags on the Moon don’t wave because there’s no atmosphere or wind. But China’s innovative design, powered by electricity, aims to change that. By 2026, a flag designed to appear in motion will make its mark on the lunar surface.
By Lia White
Why Flags Don’t Wave on the Moon
Unlike Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere, meaning no air to create wind. Flags placed during NASA’s Apollo missions in the 1960s and 70s remain stationary, held upright by horizontal support rods. Without these rods, the fabric would hang limp due to the lack of gravity’s pull. Videos showing brief flag movements from the Apollo landings sparked conspiracy theories claiming the missions were staged in a film studio. However, these movements were caused by the vibrations from planting the flags into the lunar surface. Without air resistance to slow them down, the oscillations lasted longer than they would on Earth.
China’s Ambitious Lunar Flag
China, which previously planted flags on the Moon in 2013 and 2020, now has plans to deploy a flag that appears to “wave.” According to Chinese state media, the concept originated from schoolchildren and will involve embedding wires into the flag fabric. These wires, powered by electricity, will generate magnetic fields that repel and attract each other, creating wave-like motions. Unlike traditional flags, this new flag won’t be planted directly into the lunar soil. Instead, it will be attached to the Chang’e 7 lunar probe, which will supply the necessary power to keep the flag “in motion.”
Targeting 2026: A New Lunar Milestone
China’s Chang’e 7 mission is scheduled to land on the Moon by the end of 2026, bringing the waving flag to life. Interestingly, the design won’t feature China’s national flag but the emblem of its space agency, the CNSA. This innovation represents both a scientific feat and a creative expression of national pride.
A New Chapter for Lunar Exploration
China’s plan to create a “waving” flag on the Moon highlights the blend of science and ingenuity in modern space exploration. By leveraging technology, this innovation transforms a static symbol into a dynamic expression of ambition.
China’s plan to make a flag wave on the Moon demonstrates how technology can overcome challenges posed by the unique lunar environment. By combining creativity with engineering, this project showcases how space exploration continues to push boundaries. It not only inspires innovation but also paves the way for new possibilities in showcasing achievements beyond Earth.
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.