Mission Overview
On Thursday, the Chinese mainland's Tianwen-2 mission will ignite rockets at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, kicking off a 9.5-year deep-space adventure. This all-in-one probe is set to perform a flyby, collect samples, and study a comet over one streamlined journey.
Target 1: Earth's Quasi-Satellite
The first stop is near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3. Dubbed a living fossil of the solar system, this tiny rock maintains a stable orbit alongside our planet. By gathering surface samples, researchers aim to uncover the building blocks of early planetary formation.
Target 2: A Comet in the Asteroid Belt
After returning with asteroid samples, Tianwen-2 will voyage to main-belt comet 311P, located between Mars and Jupiter. Exhibiting both asteroid-like and comet-like traits, 311P offers a rare window into the physical structure and evolution of small solar system bodies.
Global Impact
By combining multiple deep-space tasks in a single launch, Tianwen-2 pushes the boundaries of mission design and international collaboration. Its success could pave the way for future multi-target missions, inspiring scientists and space enthusiasts worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
