China plans to launch Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission in 2028

China will launch its long-awaited Tianwen-3 mission around 2028, aimed at collecting samples from Mars and returning them to Earth. Liu Jizhong, chief designer of the mission, announced this at the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference, known as the Tiandu Forum, held in Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The Tianwen-3 mission will focus on collecting samples from the Martian surface, launching from the planet and completing a rendezvous and docking process in Mars orbit before returning to Earth.

Mission objectives and global collaboration

The main scientific objective of the Tianwen-3 mission is to search query for possible signs of life on Mars. Liu Jizhong stressed that international cooperation will play an important role in this mission, with plans to collaborate on sample sharing, data exchange and joint missions with other countries. This international approach is expected to strengthen global cooperation in deep space exploration and further scientific progress.

China’s Growing Space Exploration Agenda

China has already approved four planetary exploration missions, all of which are scheduled to be completed within the next 10 to 15 years. The first mission, Tianwen-1, aimed at exploring Mars, was considered a complete success. The upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, scheduled for launch around 2025, will target a near-Earth asteroid for sampling. China is also planning the Tianwen-4 mission, expected to launch around 2030, which will explore Jupiter and its moons.

These missions highlight China’s growing commitment to space exploration, both in terms of scientific discovery and international cooperation. With the successful completion of these missions, China is positioning itself as a major player in the global space exploration community.