China is set to launch its highly anticipated Tianwen-3 mission around 2028, which aims to collect samples from Mars and return them to Earth. Liu Jizhong, the mission’s lead designer, made the announcement during the second International Conference on Deep Space Exploration, known as the Tiandu Forum, held in Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The Tianwen-3 mission will focus on collecting samples from the surface of Mars, launching from the planet and completing the rendezvous and docking process in Mars orbit before returning to Earth.
Mission Goals and Global Cooperation
The main scientific objective of the Tianwen-3 mission is to search for potential signs of life on Mars. Liu Jizhong emphasized that international cooperation will play a significant role in this mission, with plans to cooperate on sample sharing, data exchange and joint missions with other countries. This international approach is expected to strengthen global cooperation in deep space exploration and further scientific progress.
China’s Expanding Space Exploration Program
China has already approved four planetary exploration missions, all scheduled for completion in the next 10 to 15 years. The first mission, Tianwen-1, which focused on exploring Mars, was deemed a complete success. The upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, scheduled for launch around 2025, will aim to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid. China is also planning a Tianwen-4 mission, expected to launch around 2030, that will explore Jupiter and its moons.
These missions underscore China’s growing commitment to space exploration, both in terms of scientific discovery and international cooperation. With the successful completion of these missions, China is positioning itself as a key player in the global space exploration community.
