Tianwen-2 to Explore Interplanetary Space
China is set to launch its first near-Earth asteroid probe, Tianwen-2, at the end of May, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The mission will mark China’s first effort to collect samples from interplanetary space. On 14 May, the spacecraft was moved to the launch area at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. It will take off once all inspections are complete.
Mission Targets: Asteroid 2016 HO3 and Comet 311P
The Tianwen-2 probe will head towards asteroid 2016 HO3, a small 100-metre-wide space rock. This asteroid orbits Earth in a stable path, acting like a “quasi-satellite.” The spacecraft is equipped with a mechanical arm designed to collect surface dust samples from the asteroid. After studying 2016 HO3, the mission will also explore comet 311P.
This dual-target approach will help scientists understand more about the early solar system. It reflects China’s growing ambition in space exploration.
China Advances in Space Amid Growing Global Competition
China’s space programme has seen major progress in recent years. In 2024, it became the first country to return with samples from the moon’s far side through the Chang’e-6 mission. Looking ahead, China plans another ambitious project. By around 2028, the Tianwen-3 mission aims to bring back samples from Mars.
Other countries, including the US and Japan, have already landed probes on asteroids. This growing interest reflects the ongoing space race between China and the US, driving innovation and new missions in space science.
With Tianwen-2, China moves a step closer to becoming a leader in interplanetary exploration.
with inputs from Reuters
