China's Bold Mars Mission Takes a Collaborative Turn

In an exciting announcement on April 28, 2025, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) unveiled plans for international collaboration on its ambitious Mars sample-return mission, Tianwen 3. This initiative was revealed during a celebratory ceremony in Shanghai commemorating the 10th Space Day.

CNSA is inviting scientists from around the globe to contribute cutting-edge scientific instruments that will be launched aboard the Tianwen 3 spacecraft, marking a significant step in fostering global cooperation in space exploration.

What to Expect from Tianwen 3?

Set to launch in 2028, Tianwen 3 will consist of five complex segments: a lander, an ascender, a service capsule, an orbiter, and a reentry module, all powered by the heavy-lift Long March 5 rockets launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan.

The spacecraft will journey through a carefully planned Earth-Mars trajectory, making orbital corrections along the way. Upon reaching Mars, the lander and ascender will attempt a precise soft landing on the Martian surface, while the service capsule will focus on supporting the mission and hosting scientific instruments.

A Historic First Awaits!

Once Martian surface materials are collected and sealed in a vacuum metal container, the ascender will launch into orbit for a rendezvous with the reentry module. After completing a successful transfer of samples, the orbiter and reentry module will leave Mars orbit and set their sights on Earth, where they will execute a targeted landing at a designated recovery site.

If all goes according to plan, Tianwen 3 will make history by bringing Martian samples back to Earth for the first time, providing an unparalleled opportunity for scientists to study the potential for past life on Mars, its geological and environmental characteristics, and its atmospheric dynamics.

Join the Adventure!

In an added twist, CNSA has allocated 15 kilograms of payload capacity on the orbiter and 5 kilograms on the service capsule specifically for international scientific contributions. Researchers and institutions interested in participating are encouraged to review detailed technical requirements available on CNSA’s official website.

A Legacy of Success

This mission follows China’s successful Tianwen 1 mission, which launched in July 2020 and successfully deployed the Zhurong rover on Mars in May 2021, marking a significant milestone in China's journey through interplanetary exploration.