China launches Tianwen-2 space probe to collect samples from asteroid near Mars

China has set its sights on space exploration once again, with the launch of the Tianwen-2 probe that will travel to an asteroid near Mars to collect samples and potentially make groundbreaking discoveries. The probe was launched on Thursday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, aboard the Long March 3-B rocket, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Unlike its predecessor, the Tianwen-1, which landed on Mars, the Tianwen-2 will be targeting the asteroid 2016 HO3, also known as 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, to bring back samples. This ambitious mission is part of a larger 10-year plan that China has in place to expand its presence in space.

Zhang Rongqiao, the chief designer of the Tianwen-1, has revealed plans for the \”Tianwen-3\” Mars sampling return mission in 2028, followed by the \”Tianwen-4\” mission heading towards Jupiter. The choice of the asteroid 2016 HO3, with its stable orbit, will provide valuable insights into the formation of Earth and the origins of water.

The samples collected from 2016 HO3 are expected to be returned in about two years, but due to the Wolf Amendment passed in 2011, NASA will not be able to receive any samples. This law restricts NASA from cooperating with the CNSA, limiting the potential for international collaboration in space exploration.

In addition to the Tianwen-2 mission, China also operates the three-person Tiangong, or \”Heavenly Palace,\” space station. This permanent station was established after China was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. With these advancements in space exploration, China is positioning itself as a major player in the race for space exploration.

The launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks another significant milestone for China’s space program, as it continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and exploration beyond our planet. As China looks towards the future of space exploration, the world eagerly awaits the potential groundbreaking results that this mission may uncover.