According to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, China plans to launch a mission to Mars, collect samples from its surface, and return them to Earth around 2031. The main scientific goal of this mission will be to search for evidence that could indicate that life once existed on the red planet.
China plans to launch the Tianwen 3 to Mars, with two launches around 2028. The mission aims to land, collect samples, and return them to our planet. The landing site will also be the sampling site.
Scientists at the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory described their exploration strategy in a short article in the journal National Science Review.
See also: A NASA mission may have “killed life” on Mars
They have proposed 86 potential landing sites, mostly in the Chryse Planitia and Utopia Planitia. These regions are of particular interest, as they include diverse and interesting geological features, such as ancient coastlines, deltas, ancient lakes, and canyon systems. Scientists believe that these environments could once have supported life, so they are a good place to explore.
The team is exploring ways to identify and preserve potential biosignatures. He also highlighted the need to develop new instruments specifically designed to detect biosignatures.
China's Tianwen 3 mission will deliver scientific payloads to Mars, developed through international cooperation. China will then work with scientists from around the world to conduct research on the samples collected from Mars.
See also: Strange green spots on Mars discovered by NASA
It is worth noting that in June, China brought a sample from the mysterious far side of the moon, as part of the Chang'e 6. The mission's lander module collected approximately 2 kilograms of lunar material, which is now being examined by scientists.
With the next mission Tianwen 4, China plans to explore the Jovian system to investigate the history of Jupiter and its moons .
See also: Perseverance – Mars: Mesmerizing image of Jezero crater
The rapid development of China's space programs demonstrates its determination and commitment to becoming a major player in the global space industry. With its ambitious plans and achievements so far, it is clear that China will continue to make significant contributions to space exploration in the future.
Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
