Mission Overview
- China launched Tianwen-2 spacecraft on Thursday.
- Target: Near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 (also known as Kamoʻoalewa) and main-belt comet 311P.
- Objective: Collect and return samples by 2027.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Scientific Goals
- Study the origin and composition of asteroids and comets.
- Provide clues about the formation of the solar system.
- Help expand understanding of primitive celestial bodies.
Technological Significance
- Tianwen-2 is part of China’s broader deep space exploration program.
- Demonstrates China’s advancing space capabilities, including:
- Precision rendezvous and landing
- Sample collection and return technology
- Multi-target mission planning
Global Context
- Follows the success of Japan’s Hayabusa2 and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx missions.
- Positions China as a major player in asteroid mining and planetary defense research.
- Promotes international competition and collaboration in space science.
Timeline
- Launch: May 2025.
- Sample return expected: By 2027.
