China is gearing up for its highly anticipated Tianwen-3 mission, set to launch in 2028, with the ambitious goal of collecting and returning samples from Mars. Liu Jizhong, the mission's Chief Designer, announced the plan during the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference, also known as the Tiandu Forum, held in Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The Tianwen-3 mission will focus on gathering Martian surface samples, launching them from the planet, and completing a complex rendezvous and docking operation in Mars’ orbit before returning the samples to Earth.
Mission Objectives and Global Collaboration The primary scientific objective of Tianwen-3 is to search for potential signs of life on Mars. Liu Jizhong highlighted the importance of international cooperation, with plans for sample sharing, data exchange, and joint missions with other nations. This collaborative approach is aimed at fostering global partnerships in deep space exploration and advancing scientific knowledge.
China’s Expanding Space Ambitions China has greenlit four planetary exploration missions, all to be completed within the next 10 to 15 years. The first of these, Tianwen-1, successfully explored Mars and was hailed as a major achievement. The upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, slated for launch around 2025, will target a near-Earth asteroid for sampling. Meanwhile, the Tianwen-4 mission, expected by 2030, will set its sights on Jupiter and its moons.
These missions reflect China's growing commitment to space exploration, reinforcing its role as a key player in advancing both scientific discovery and international cooperation. With the successful completion of these missions, China is positioning itself as a leader in the global space race.