China's Bold Move for Collaborative Space Exploration!

In an exciting announcement, China is opening the gates for international collaboration on its groundbreaking Mars sample-return mission, known as Tianwen 3. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) unveiled this initiative during a celebratory ceremony in Shanghai, coinciding with the 10th Space Day.

An Ambitious Mission Awaits!

Slated for launch around 2028, Tianwen 3 is designed to be a multi-faceted mission with five key components: a lander, ascender, service capsule, orbiter, and reentry module. This high-stakes project aims to return rock and soil samples from Mars — a first in human history!

Powered by two of China’s mighty Long March 5 rockets from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan, the mission will embark on an Earth-Mars journey and make a series of orbital adjustments along the way.

The Journey to Mars: What to Expect!

Upon reaching Mars, the main elements of Tianwen 3 will deploy from orbit. The lander and ascender will touch down gently on the Martian surface, while the service capsule, crucial for mission support, will also carry scientific instruments.

The orbiter and reentry module will maintain communication from orbit and await the return of valuable Martian samples.

History in the Making!

After gathering surface materials and safely sealing them in a vacuum container, the ascender will lift off to rendezvous with the reentry module. Once the precious samples are transferred, the reentry module will embark on its thrilling journey back to Earth, executing a series of precision maneuvers for a safe landing.

If successful, Tianwen 3 will not only mark the first return of Martian samples to Earth but will also present scientists with revolutionary insights into the potential for ancient life on Mars, its geological composition, and atmospheric dynamics.

Join the Adventure!

CNSA has allocated space for international scientific instruments — 15 kilograms on the orbiter and 5 kilograms on the service capsule — inviting scientists worldwide to participate. Interested parties are encouraged to check the full technical requirements available on the CNSA’s official website.

China's Space Journey Continues!

Building on the success of Tianwen 1, which launched in July 2020 and successfully landed the Zhurong rover on Mars in May 2021, this next mission solidifies China’s prominent position in the realm of interplanetary exploration. The stakes are high, and the eyes of the world are watching!