China is expected to launch its long-awaited Tianwen-3 mission in 2028, with the goal of collecting samples from Mars and returning them to Earth. The mission’s chief designer, Liu Zhizong, made the announcement at the Tiandu Forum, the second international conference on space exploration, in Huangshan, Anhui province. The Tianwen-3 mission is designed to collect samples from the Martian surface, lift off from the planet, and perform a rendezvous and docking operation in Mars orbit before returning to Earth.
Mission objectives and global cooperation
The main scientific goal of the Tianwen-3 mission is to search for possible signs of life on Mars. Liu Jizhong emphasized that international cooperation plays an important role in this work: according to the plans, they will cooperate in the exchange of samples and data, as well as in joint work with other countries. This international approach is expected to strengthen global cooperation in space exploration and further scientific development.
Expanding China’s space exploration program
China has already approved four planetary exploration missions that are expected to be completed in the next 10 to 15 years. Tianwe-1, the first Mars exploration mission, was a complete success. The upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, to be launched in 2025, will target a near-Earth asteroid for sampling. China is also planning the Tianwen-4 mission, expected to launch in 2030, to explore Jupiter and its moons.
These missions highlight China’s growing commitment to space exploration, both in scientific exploration and international cooperation. By successfully completing these missions, China has emerged as a major player in the global space exploration community.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.