China has launched the Tianwen-2 space probe, targeting asteroid 2016 HO3, as part of its ongoing interplanetary exploration efforts.
The mission, which took off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, is set to collect samples from the asteroid, which orbits near Mars. This follows the successful Mars landing of Tianwen-1, which touched down last year. The Tianwen-2 probe is expected to return samples from 2016 HO3 in about two years. These samples may provide critical insights into Earth’s origins, particularly regarding the source of water on our planet.
The space agency, China National Space Administration (CNSA), has outlined a 10-year plan that includes the ‘Tianwen-3’ mission for a Mars sampling return in 2028 and ‘Tianwen-4’ targeting Jupiter. Despite these ambitious plans, the U.S. remains excluded from the collaboration due to the Wolf Amendment, which restricts NASA’s cooperation with the CNSA.
China’s expansion into space also includes the operation of its Tiangong space station, a permanent station developed after being barred from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns. This underscores China’s growing role in space exploration and its potential to become a major force in the field.