China's national space agency CNSA has opened its doors to overseas research institutions, inviting proposals for scientific payloads on its upcoming Mars sample return mission, Tianwen-3, set to launch around 2028.
Global Collaboration
Researchers from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, as well as other international institutions, can submit payload designs for six key instruments:
- Raman fluorescence spectrometer
- Ultra-wideband exploration radar
- Mid-infrared superfine imaging spectrometer
- Mars global multicolor camera
- Descent ENA aurora detector
- High-precision vector magnetometer
Mission Blueprint
Tianwen-3 comprises a lander, ascent vehicle, orbiter, service module and return module. Earlier, CNSA announced up to 15 kilograms of payload capacity on the orbiter and 5 kilograms on the service module for international partners.
Science Goals
The mission aims to drill, collect and return Martian samples to Earth, searching for signs of past or present life. It will also study Mars' climate, geology and internal structure, offering data-driven insights into planetary evolution.
Next Steps
Domestic institutions must lead each payload project, with up to five partners allowed per proposal. The deadline and submission guidelines are detailed in CNSA's official notice.
With this move, China strengthens global ties in space exploration, paving the way for shared discoveries on the Red Planet.
Reference(s):
China invites overseas payload proposals for Mars sampling mission
cgtn.com
