China is gearing up to launch its second deep-space exploration mission, Tianwen-2, which aims to achieve multiple groundbreaking tasks in a single voyage. Scheduled for launch on Thursday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China, the mission will embark on a 9.5-year journey to explore near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 and the main-belt comet 311P.
The first phase of the mission targets asteroid 2016 HO3, often dubbed Earth’s “quasi-satellite” due to its stable orbit near our planet. Scientists believe this asteroid is a “living fossil” of the solar system, preserving primitive materials from the early days of planetary formation. By collecting samples from its surface and returning them to Earth, researchers hope to gain valuable insights into the composition and evolution of early solar system bodies.
After the sample-return phase, Tianwen-2 will set its sights on comet 311P, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This unique object displays both asteroid-like and comet-like characteristics. Studying 311P could fill critical gaps in our understanding of the physical structure, composition, and evolutionary mechanisms of small bodies in our solar system.
Tianwen-2 represents a significant stride in China’s ambitious space exploration program, following the success of the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars. By undertaking this complex mission, China aims to contribute to global scientific knowledge and inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts.
As all pre-launch preparations proceed smoothly, the world watches with excitement to see what discoveries Tianwen-2 will unveil about the mysteries of our solar system.
