China Wants to Retrieve a Sample of Mars by 2028.
China has set an ambitious goal of retrieving a sample of Mars by 2028. The country's space agency, the China National Space Administration (CNSA), announced the plan in June 2021, and it is now one of the top priorities of the Chinese space program.
The Tianwen-3 mission will consist of two spacecraft: a lander and ascent vehicle, and an orbiter and re-entry capsule. The lander will touch down on Mars in September 2029 and will spend several months collecting samples of soil and rock. The samples will then be transferred to the ascent vehicle, which will launch them into Mars orbit. The orbiter will rendezvous with the ascent vehicle and capture the samples. The orbiter will then return to Earth, landing in July 2031.
The Tianwen-3 mission is a complex undertaking, and there are many challenges that will need to be overcome before it can be completed. However, China has a proven track record of success in space exploration, and the CNSA is confident that the mission will be a success.
There are several reasons why China is interested in retrieving a sample of Mars. First, it would be a major scientific achievement. Scientists have been studying Mars for decades, but they have never been able to bring a sample back to Earth. This would allow them to study the Martian soil and rock in much more detail than is possible with rovers and orbiters.
Second, retrieving a sample of Mars would be a technological demonstration. It would show that China has the capability to send spacecraft to Mars and back. This would be a major boost for the country's prestige and would help to solidify its position as a leader in space exploration.
Third, retrieving a sample of Mars could have commercial implications. Mars is known to have large deposits of water ice, which could be used to support human exploration of the planet. A sample of Martian soil could also be used to develop new technologies.
There are many challenges that will need to be overcome before the Tianwen-3 mission can be completed. One challenge is the long distance between Earth and Mars. It will take about two years for the orbiter to travel back to Earth after it has captured the samples.
Another challenge is the harsh Martian environment. Mars has a thin atmosphere, which makes it difficult for spacecraft to land and take off. The planet also has extreme temperatures, which can damage spacecraft components.
Finally, there is the challenge of collecting the samples. The Martian soil is very fine and powdery, which makes it difficult to collect. The lander will need to use a drill to collect the samples, and it will need to be careful not to contaminate them.
Despite the challenges, China is confident that the Tianwen-3 mission will be a success. The country has a strong track record of success in space exploration, and the CNSA is committed to making the mission a reality. If successful, the Tianwen-3 mission would be a major milestone in human history and would help to pave the way for future exploration of Mars.