In an exciting leap for space exploration, China has unveiled its ambitious plan to launch the Tianwen-3 mission around 2028, aiming to collect and return Martian samples to Earth. Announced by Liu Jizhong, the chief designer of the mission, during the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference—also known as the Tiandu Forum—in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, the mission marks a significant milestone in China's space endeavors.
The Tianwen-3 mission will follow the footsteps of China's previous successful endeavors, including the complete success of the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. Tianwen-3 is designed to collect samples from the Martian surface, take off from the red planet, and rendezvous with a spacecraft in Mars orbit for docking and sample transfer.
The primary scientific objective of Tianwen-3 is to search for signs of life on Mars, a quest that could provide groundbreaking insights into the planet's environment and history. Beyond its scientific goals, the mission emphasizes international cooperation, featuring shared payloads, data, and sample exchanges. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance global synergy in deep space exploration, bringing together scientists and experts from around the world.
China's commitment to planetary exploration doesn't stop with Tianwen-3. The country has approved a total of four missions over the next 10 to 15 years, including Tianwen-2, slated for launch around 2025 to sample a near-Earth asteroid, and Tianwen-4, planned for around 2030 to explore Jupiter. These missions collectively demonstrate China's growing prowess in space technology and its dedication to advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
As China pushes the boundaries of space exploration, the Tianwen-3 mission stands as a testament to international collaboration and the quest for knowledge that transcends borders, promising to inspire a new generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and global citizens.
Reference(s):
China to launch Mars-sampling mission in around 2028, says designer
cgtn.com